Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) have introduced the Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025, legislation aimed at restoring a national focus on youth physical fitness and nutrition awareness.
The bill would codify President Donald Trump’s executive order by formally establishing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The council would advise the President and advance national priorities related to physical fitness, sports participation, and nutrition, with the stated goal of reversing declining fitness trends and reintroducing measurable, achievable health benchmarks for young people.
“‘Make America Healthy Again’ starts with making sure our children are physically active and develop healthy habits early in their lives,” Senator Britt said. “One way to achieve this is by building on President Trump’s effort to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test in our schools so the next generation learns to love fitness and understands the countless benefits that come with leading an active lifestyle.”
According to the sponsors, the legislation would create and codify the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, consisting of up to 30 presidential appointees. It would also reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test and related awards, while addressing obesity and physical inactivity through school-based physical education challenges and expanded access to sports opportunities.
Senator Marshall highlighted the historical roots of the fitness test, noting that it was enacted during the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was from Kansas.
“For decades, the Presidential Fitness Test, enacted by Kansas’ own President Eisenhower, motivated millions of young Americans to push themselves, stay active, and take pride in their physical accomplishments,” Marshall said. “That same competitive spirit is what built America, and it’s time to restore that legacy.”
The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition was first established in 1956 to promote youth health and physical activity nationwide. Supporters of the current bill point to changes made in 2012, when the Presidential Fitness Test was replaced with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, as a turning point that reduced emphasis on standardized fitness assessments and measurable goals. They also cite ongoing concerns about youth health, including data showing that approximately one in six children ages 10 to 17 has obesity.
Senator Boozman said the legislation is intended to help instill healthy habits at an early age.
“It’s important to help young Arkansans build good habits including engaging in a physically active, healthy lifestyle,” Boozman said. “This bill uses a proven tool to accomplish that in addition to promoting long-term benefits for public health and personal well-being that serve to strengthen our nation.”
Senator Britt has also pointed to the legislation as part of her broader advocacy related to health and nutrition policy, including efforts focused on food transparency and the removal of certain synthetic dyes from food products.
