The Appropriations Bill Language passed in 2o1o.
Five years and millions of dollars later, did we get what was requested?
Absolutely NOT!
Quotes...
The Committee encourages the CDC...
…and improving utilization of diagnostic testing to account for the multiple clinical manifestations of acute and chronic Lyme disease
... to expand its activities related to developing sensitive and more accurate diagnostic tools and test for Lyme disease including the timely evaluation of emerging diagnostic methods and improving utilization of diagnostic testing
... and creating a physician education program that includes the full spectrum of scientific research on the diseases.
The Committee encourages the NIAID to sponsor a scientific conference on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases that would represent the broad spectrum of scientific views on Lyme disease and include input from individuals with Lyme disease.
The Committee encourages AHRQ to create a comprehensive clearinghouse of peer-reviewed tick-borne diseases literature that will include literature on persistent infection, appropriately organized for use by the scientific community, treating physicians, and the public.
The Committee urges the Secretary to improve interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases. The Secretary is encouraged to advise relevant Federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and tick-borne diseases, identify future research needs, and involve CDC, NIH, FDA, and other agencies in the development of a more accurate system of diagnosing and reporting of Lyme disease.
The Committee directs the Secretary to review the coordination of efforts across HHS operating divisions with respect to tick-borne diseases to ensure that: a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public health policy decisions, accurate information is disseminated to the public and physicians, and actions are taken by the Department that will foster significant progress in the development and adoption of improved diagnostics for Lyme disease.
The Department shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate with the findings from this review not later than September 30, 2010.
Within the total for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases, the Committee includes the following amounts:
The Committee encourages the Director, in collaboration with the Director of NIAD, to sponsor a scientific conference on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. The Committee believes that the conference should represent the broad spectrum of scientific views on Lyme disease and should provide a forum for public participation and input from individuals with Lyme disease.”
Link https://sites.google.com/site/lymelegislation/2010-appropriations-bill