[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 126 (Thursday, August 1, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5786-S5787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 794--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 25, 2024, 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 referred to the 
Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 794

       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;

[[Page S5787]]

       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 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 with ataxia 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, 2024, 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.

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