Analysis · Speech on a bill · beta

Paul Tonko

Democrat on Reauthorizing the Kay Hagan Tick Act 2026-07-20

198 words · 9 sentences · 12 clauses

Statement grade

A+

Average 96 / 100

A score under 50 is red. Choose a measurement to see where it lost points and why; choose it again to clear.

Claims 76%Reasoning 12%Positioning 6%The ask 6%

This view breaks the statement into its steps and names what each one does.

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 151 wordsI rise in strong support of the Kay Hagan Tick Act legislation that I am leading along with my colleagues, Representatives Chris Smith, Lloyd Doggett, and Tom Kean. The Kay Hagan Tick Act would reauthorize key programs at the CDC that fund both research and support for local public health agencies to address tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. Tick-borne diseases are a large and growing problem in New York, with more than 18,000 cases of Lyme disease reported in New York State in 2024.¹ Lyme can cause serious health consequences, and for some, long- term complications persist after treatment. With a warming climate, tick populations and ranges are on the rise, leading to fears that tick-borne diseases will continue to increase in frequency in the years to come. Already, warning signs are blaring that 2026 could be the worst year for tick exposures since 2017, based on CDC tracking data.² Reasoning · 24 wordsIn this backdrop, research investments and public health resources are more vital than ever. That is what the Kay Hagan Tick Act will deliver.Vague promise Positioning · 11 wordsI am proud to have worked on this commonsense bipartisan bill, PositioningThe ask · 12 wordsand I would urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 94

1 of 2 deductions are Signal

Signal checks whether every part makes a point, gives a reason, or asks for action. A low score means the speaker filled time with fluff, pleasantries, or attacks.

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “I am proud to have worked on this commonsense bipartisan bill,”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 100

0 of 2 deductions are Relevance

Relevance checks whether the speaker stays on topic and answers the question asked. A low score means the speaker dodged the issue. Measured against the bill under debate.

Nothing lost points.

Respect · no score

Not checked: graded before this measurement existed. Excluded from the average.

Respect checks whether the speaker argued with people’s positions and records rather than attacking the people: insults, mockery, or bad motives assigned to them. Criticism of what someone did, however strong, is not marked.

Clarity · 95

1 of 2 deductions are Clarity

Clarity checks for plain speaking, clear ownership of actions, and honest limits on certainty. A low score means vague promises or evasive language.

A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “will deliver”The clause promises delivery with no date, measure, or success condition, referring only to a general need for resources.

Claims · 2

This list shows the factual statements you can check for yourself: the words as said, and the claim restated to stand on its own.

1“more than 18,000 cases of Lyme disease reported in New York State in 2024”More than 18,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in New York State in 2024.search
2“2026 could be the worst year for tick exposures since 2017, based on CDC tracking data”The speaker says CDC tracking data suggests 2026 could be the worst year for tick exposures since 2017.search

Analyzed on 2026-09-15