[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 206 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6002-S6003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 507--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, AS ``NATIONAL 
    ATAXIA AWARENESS DAY'', AND RAISING AWARENESS OF ATAXIA, ATAXIA 
                  RESEARCH, AND THE SEARCH FOR A CURE

  Mrs. HYDE-SMITH (for herself, Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Capito, and Ms. 
Stabenow) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                              S. Res. 507

       Whereas ataxia is a clinical manifestation indicating 
     degeneration or dysfunction of the brain that negatively 
     affects the coordination, precision, and accurate timing of 
     physical movements;
       Whereas ataxia can strike individuals of all ages, 
     including children;
       Whereas the term ``ataxia'' is used to classify a group of 
     rare, inherited neurodegenerative diseases including--
       (1) ataxia telangiectasia;
       (2) episodic ataxia;
       (3) Friedreich's ataxia; and
       (4) spinocerebellar ataxia;

       Whereas there are many known types of genetic ataxia, but 
     the genetic basis for ataxia in some patients is still 
     unknown;
       Whereas all inherited ataxias affect fewer than 200,000 
     individuals in the United States and, therefore, are 
     recognized as rare diseases under the Orphan Drug Act (Public 
     Law 97-414; 96 Stat. 2049);
       Whereas some genetic ataxias are inherited in an autosomal 
     dominant manner while

[[Page S6003]]

     others are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner;
       Whereas ataxia symptoms can also be caused by noninherited 
     health conditions and other factors, including stroke, tumor, 
     cerebral palsy, head trauma, multiple sclerosis, alcohol 
     addiction or misuse, and certain medications;
       Whereas ataxia can present physical, psychological, and 
     financial challenges for patients and their families;
       Whereas symptoms and outcomes of ataxia progress at 
     different rates and can include--
       (1) lack of coordination;
       (2) slurred speech;
       (3) cardiomyopathy;
       (4) scoliosis;
       (5) eye movement abnormalities;
       (6) difficulty walking;
       (7) tremors;
       (8) trouble eating and swallowing;
       (9) difficulties with other activities that require fine 
     motor skills; and
       (10) death;

       Whereas many patients with ataxia require the use of 
     assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and walkers, to aid in 
     their mobility, and many individuals may need physical and 
     occupational therapy;
       Whereas few treatments and no cures have been approved for 
     ataxia; and
       Whereas clinical research to develop safe and effective 
     treatments for ataxia is ongoing: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the need for greater public awareness of 
     ataxia;
       (2) designates September 25, 2023, as ``National Ataxia 
     Awareness Day'';
       (3) supports the goals of National Ataxia Awareness Day, 
     which are--
       (A) to raise awareness of the causes and symptoms of ataxia 
     among the general public and health care professionals;
       (B) to improve diagnosis of ataxia and access to care for 
     patients affected by ataxia; and
       (C) to accelerate ataxia research, including on safe and 
     effective treatment options and, ultimately, a cure;
       (4) recognizes the individuals in the United States who 
     face challenges due to having ataxia, and the families of 
     those individuals; and
       (5) encourages States, territories, and localities to 
     support the goals of National Ataxia Awareness Day.

                          ____________________