Bills · HR 4981
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4981Health
Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act
INTRO AUG 15· LAST ACTION AUG 15
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
13BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenLyme disease is a serious public health issue, affecting nearly half a million Americans annually and costing the healthcare system over a billion dollars each year. Many patients struggle with difficult diagnoses, unreliable tests, and chronic symptoms even after treatment. This bill matters because it offers a new, voluntary funding stream specifically dedicated to finding better solutions for this challenging illness.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more scientific breakthroughs in understanding, diagnosing, and treating Lyme disease, potentially reducing suffering and healthcare costs. If it doesn't pass, this particular avenue for public-supported research funding would not be established, leaving the research efforts solely dependent on existing government appropriations and other private donations.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a special "Lyme Disease Research Semipostal Stamp" for sale by the United States Postal Service.
This creates a new mechanism for the public to contribute to Lyme disease research through a common item.
PROVISION 02
Directs all proceeds from the sale of the semipostal stamp to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Ensures that the funds are specifically channeled to a leading government research institution for Lyme disease research.
PROVISION 03
Specifies that the funds generated from stamp sales will not reduce or offset other federal funding for NIAID.
This means the stamp revenue will be an additional source of funding, not a replacement for existing appropriations.
PROVISION 04
Requires the stamp to be available for at least 6 years, starting within 12 months of the bill's enactment.
Provides a significant and consistent period for the public to contribute to research funding.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 13
D· New Jersey
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
93
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 77%
DEM 8 REP 5 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAUG 15
Introduced in House
AUG 15
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4981
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedAug 15, 2025
Last actionAug 15, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED AUG 15, 2025
House BillHR 4981Health
Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act
INTRODUCED AUG 15, 2025· LAST ACTION AUG 15, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
13
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
