U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Roger Marshall, John Boozman Seek to Formally Reestablish Presidential Fitness Test to Counter Childhood Obesity

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) introduced the Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025. This legislation would codify President Trump’s Executive Order by formally establishing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to advise the President and advance national priorities related to physical fitness, sports participation, and nutrition awareness. It is designed to reverse declining fitness trends and return national attention to measurable, achievable youth health goals.

“‘Make America Healthy Again’ starts with making sure our children are physically active and develop healthy habits early in their lives. 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,” said Senator Britt.

The Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025 creates and codifies the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, comprising up to 30 presidential appointees, reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test and award, and addresses obesity and inactivity by developing school-based physical education challenges and expanded access to sports.

“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,” said Senator Marshall.“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 created in 1956 to promote youth health and physical activity nationwide, encouraging millions of students to pursue active lifestyles and physical achievement. In 2012, the Obama Administration’s move to replace the Presidential Fitness Test with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program disincentivized the use of established fitness tests and measurable goals. Youth fitness has declined sharply, and approximately 1 in 6 children ages 10-17 have obesity.

“It’s important to help young Arkansans build good habits including engaging in a physically active, healthy lifestyle,” said Senator Boozman. “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.” 

You can read the full text of the bill here. 

Senator Britt is a consistent advocate for commonsense solutions to Make America Healthy Again, seeking improved FDA oversight and reporting through the Better Food Disclosure Act and supporting efforts to remove harmful synthetic dyes from our foods.

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