Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, says the Tick-Borne Disease Research Accountability and Transparency Act of 2015, which she voted in favor of, helps to address widespread Lyme disease in the North Country.

A recent campaign event focused on Stefanik’s efforts to combat the harmful effects of Lyme disease on families across her district. She says she has made fighting this harmful disease a “priority.”

At the event, Stefanik was joined by a host of leading elected officials and top experts, each of whom she praised for being key partners in promoting greater awareness of the disease, and in helping to pass legislation to fight the disease.

“When I visit with families across the North Country, too often they tell me about the devastating effects that Lyme disease is having on someone they know,” said Stefanik.

Among the list of legislative results Stefanik cited was her partnership to introduce H.R. 789, the Tick-Borne Disease Research Accountability and Transparency Act of 2015.

This legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct research on Lyme and other tick borne diseases, and establishes an interagency working group that reviews the research and provides recommendations.

The bill was approved in the house 344-170, with 170 Republicans and 174 Democrats voting in favor.

Stefanik said the legislation was included in a broader healthcare reform package that passed in the House, called the 21st Century Cures Act.

Senator Betty Little, R-Queensbury, said, "I applaud Congresswoman Stefanik's bipartisan approach to tackling the serious issues facing the North Country, including the issue of Lyme disease. Lyme disease affects so many in our community and can be difficult to diagnose and treat.”

Sen. Little, R-Queensbury, represents the 45th Senate District, which includes the towns of Parishville, Colton, and Hopkinton in St. Lawrence County.