The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions convened on July 30, 2025, to discuss several significant pieces of legislation, including S. 2292, S. 1440, S. 2398, S. 2301, S. 1728, and S. 2403. The meeting began with a request for unanimous consent to enter statements of support for the bills into the record, which was met with no objections.
A notable moment during the session was a heartfelt tribute to former Senator Kaye Hagan, who passed away due to complications from a tick-borne illness. One senator emphasized the importance of naming a bill after her, recounting her tragic experience with the poacin virus, which went undiagnosed for months. This personal story underscored the urgency of addressing tick-borne diseases and highlighted Hagan's legacy of activism and public service.
Following the tribute, the committee proceeded to a vote on the bills en bloc, indicating bipartisan support for the measures. The voting process included a roll call, with several senators casting their votes by proxy. Ultimately, the committee reported the bills favorably, with 23 votes in favor and none against.
Senator Collins requested to be recorded as present and voting in favor of the bills, further solidifying the bipartisan consensus. The meeting concluded with an invitation for additional comments on the TIC Act, signaling ongoing discussions about tick-borne disease legislation.
Overall, the meeting reflected a commitment to addressing public health issues related to tick-borne diseases, while honoring the memory of a respected former senator. The committee's actions indicate a proactive approach to health legislation, with a focus on bipartisan collaboration.