III 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 507 

Designating September 25, 2023, as ‘‘National Ataxia Awareness Day’’, and 

raising awareness of ataxia, ataxia research, and the search for a cure. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

DECEMBER 14, 2023 

Mrs. HYDE-SMITH (for herself, Mr. MURPHY, Mrs. CAPITO, and Ms. STABENOW) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 

agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Designating September 25, 2023, as ‘‘National Ataxia 

Awareness Day’’, and raising awareness of ataxia, ataxia 

research, and the search for a cure. 

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 

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•SRES 507 ATS 

(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 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; 

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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 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) recognizes the need for greater public 

3 awareness of ataxia; 

4 (2) designates September 25, 2023, as ‘‘Na5 tional Ataxia Awareness Day’’; 

6 (3) supports the goals of National Ataxia 

7 Awareness Day, which are— 

8 (A) to raise awareness of the causes and 

9 symptoms of ataxia among the general public 

10 and health care professionals; 

11 (B) to improve diagnosis of ataxia and ac12 cess to care for patients affected by ataxia; and 

13 (C) to accelerate ataxia research, including 

14 on safe and effective treatment options and, ul15 timately, a cure; 

16 (4) recognizes the individuals in the United 

17 States who face challenges due to having ataxia, and 

18 the families of those individuals; and 

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•SRES 507 ATS 

1 (5) encourages States, territories, and localities 

2 to support the goals of National Ataxia Awareness 

3 Day. 

Æ