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 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