On the recordSeptember 9, 2014
I would like to offer my thoughts on H.R. 4701, the Tick-Borne Disease Research Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014. H.R. 4701 would create a new working group to review efforts on Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases within the Department of Health and Human Services. I support efforts to advance research and public input in this area, but I remain concerned that today's legislation is not the best way to advance these goals. Specifically, I have concerns that H.R. 4701 could unnecessarily politicize federal activities on Lyme disease and potentially result in recommendations that are not supported by a strong, scientific evidence base. I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will take a careful look at H.R. 4701 and make changes to address these concerns before considering it further. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4701, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. The title was amended so as to read: ``A bill to provide for research with respect to Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, and for other purposes.'' A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________
