Bill > HR4981

This bill aims to create a special postage stamp (called a "semipostal stamp") to raise funds for Lyme disease research, in response to significant public health challenges associated with the disease. The bill cites several key findings, including that the CDC estimates 476,000 Lyme disease cases are diagnosed annually, the disease is difficult to diagnose, and it can lead to chronic and disabling symptoms for 10-20% of patients, with an estimated annual healthcare cost of $1.3 billion. The Lyme Disease Research Semipostal Stamp will be sold by the United States Postal Service for at least 6 years, with all proceeds transferred to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) specifically for Lyme disease research. Importantly, the bill stipulates that these stamp sale proceeds will not reduce or offset existing federal funding for Lyme disease research, ensuring the funds are truly additional. The stamp provides a voluntary way for the public to contribute to understanding and potentially treating this challenging tick-borne illness, with proceeds designed to support scientific research into diagnosis, treatment, and potential cures.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4981/all-info