Recognizing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) as a serious feeding and eating disorder and acknowledging the urgent need to advance awareness, early identification, research, and equitable access to care.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1365
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-11: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T19:10:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution recognizes Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) as a serious feeding and eating disorder. It highlights the need for greater public and professional awareness, earlier detection, more research, and fair access to treatment for those affected.
Key Provisions
- Defines ARFID as a condition involving persistent failure to meet nutritional needs, often due to sensory issues, lack of interest in food, or fear of negative outcomes like choking or vomiting, without body image concerns.
- Notes its medical effects, including nutritional deficiencies, growth problems, need for feeding tubes or supplements, and social challenges.
- States that ARFID often starts in early childhood and can continue into later life.
- Links it to genetic factors (with high heritability) and conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
- Points out that it affects people of all backgrounds equally, though awareness gaps create unequal access to care.
- Calls for better screening in routine child health visits and referrals to specialists.
The resolution resolves that the House of Representatives:
- Recognizes ARFID as a serious disorder causing health and developmental harm.
- Supports improved early detection, diagnosis, and multidisciplinary care.
- Backs research on its causes and treatments.
- Urges federal, state, and local governments to enhance screening, training, and referral systems in health care.
- Encourages schools to provide suitable supports for students with ARFID.
- Promotes expanded community services such as feeding therapy, nutrition help, speech and occupational therapy, and mental health care.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and does not amend or create new laws. It serves as an official statement of recognition without enforceable requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Encourages federal bodies and state/local health and education systems to update screening practices and training, potentially leading to more referrals and resource allocation.
- On citizens: May improve support for individuals with ARFID and their families through better awareness and services, reducing long-term health issues.
- On international relations: No direct effects noted.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals diagnosed with or at risk for ARFID, along with their families.
- Health care providers, including pediatricians and specialists in feeding, nutrition, and behavioral health.
- Educators and school systems responsible for student accommodations.
- Federal agencies under the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce.
- Researchers studying eating disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
As a House resolution, it carries no legal force and raises no constitutional issues. It may influence policy discussions or funding priorities in health and education but does not create rights or obligations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-11: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-11: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-11: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) as a serious feeding and eating disorder and acknowledging the urgent need to advance awareness, early identification, research, and equitable access to care. — issued 2026-06-11 — PDF (4 pages)