WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Sen. Susan Collins issued the following press release:

U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in a roundtable discussion at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Lyme disease research and innovation. The roundtable included public health officials, researchers, and patient advocates who discussed current gaps in Lyme disease research, the need for improved diagnostics, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration across federal agencies. Dr. Kristen Honey of Long Island, Maine, a public health expert with firsthand experience of a Lyme disease diagnosis, also participated in the discussion.

Senator Collins highlighted her longstanding efforts to address tick-borne diseases. Earlier this year, she in...