119-HRES-817 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A bipartisan House resolution to recognize World Food Day on October 16, 2025 and 2026 and to reaffirm U.S. support for combating global hunger.

What It Does

H. Res. 817 expresses the House of Representatives’ support for designating October 16, 2025 and October 16, 2026 as “World Food Day.” It encourages Americans to mark the days with activities and reaffirms the United States’ commitment to addressing global food insecurity and malnutrition through humanitarian assistance and innovative approaches.

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Reps. Chellie Pingree (D‑ME), Maria Elvira Salazar (R‑FL), and James McGovern (D‑MA) — indicating bipartisan support.
• Supportive arguments (as reflected in the text): raising awareness of hunger and malnutrition, highlighting U.S. humanitarian leadership, and encouraging community and NGO engagement in World Food Day activities.
• Broad alignment with anti-hunger advocates and agricultural research communities who emphasize resilience, nutrition, and sustainable food systems (the resolution references these themes).

Who’s Against It

• The resolution text lists no opponents.
• Common critiques of symbolic resolutions generally: they do not have binding effect; some prefer Congress focus on funding or policy changes over commemorative statements; others may prioritize domestic needs over international initiatives.

What’s Next

• Status as of October 17, 2025: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• Possible next steps: committee consideration and, if advanced, a House floor vote. As a simple House resolution, adoption requires only House approval and does not proceed to the Senate or the President.

Key Numbers Mentioned in the Resolution