Senator Marshall Pushes to Make the Presidential Fitness Test Law
Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced the Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025, legislation to 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. The legislation is designed to reverse declining fitness trends and return national attention to measurable, achievable youth health goals.
“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.”
This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas.)
“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.
“It’s important to help young Arkansans build good habits including engaging in a physically active, healthy lifestyle,” said 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.”
What the bill does:
- Creates and codifies thePresident’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, comprising up to 30 presidential appointees.
- Reestablish the PresidentialFitness Test and award.
- Develop school-based physical education challenges.
- Expand access to youth and community sports.
- Address public health and national security concerns linked to obesity and inactivity.
Background:
- The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition was first created in 1956 to promote youth health and physical activity nationwide.
- Over time, programs like the Presidential Fitness Test encouraged millions of students to pursue active lifestyles and physical achievement.
- In 2012, the Obama Administration replaced the long-standing Presidential Fitness Test with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, shifting the focus away from traditional performance benchmarks. This move discouraged many schools from continuing to use established fitness tests and from encouraging students to meet measurable personal fitness goals.
- Youth fitness has declined; 31% of children ages 10–17 are overweight or obese, contributing to chronic disease, lower productivity, and reduced military readiness.
Click here to read the full bill text.
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Contact: Payton Fuller
