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Bill

HR 6604

Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 11 co-sponsors

Establish a presidential Council to reestablish and modernize a nationwide Presidential Fitness Test focused on school-based programs, youth fitness, nutrition, and readiness.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 6604

Summary of HR 6604 — Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025

Purpose
- Establish the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition (the Council) to advise the President on efforts to improve youth physical fitness, sports participation, and nutrition.
- Reestablish a framework and tools (notably a Presidential Fitness Test) as the core assessment for a Presidential Fitness Award, with stronger emphasis on school-based programs, youth fitness, and national readiness.

Key Provisions

1) Establishment and Structure
- Creates the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition (the Council).
- Up to 30 members appointed by the President; may include representatives from relevant stakeholder groups.
- Terms: 2-year terms; eligible for reappointment; members may serve past term end until a successor is appointed.
- Leadership: President may designate a Chair and Vice Chair from among members.

2) Council Functions
- General role: Advise the President on progress toward implementing the section and recommend actions to accelerate progress.
- Specific recommendations (non-exhaustive):
- Reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test (PFT) as the main tool for the Presidential Fitness Award, with improvements as appropriate.
- Develop and promote school-based programs and challenges that reward excellence in physical education.
- Expand opportunities for participation in sports and engagement in fitness at global, national, state, and local levels.
- Propose bold fitness goals for American youth to foster a healthy, active generation.
- Promote campaigns and events that highlight American sports, military readiness, and health traditions.
- Foster partnerships with professional athletes, sports organizations, players’ associations, nonprofits, and community groups to broaden participation and emphasize healthy lifestyles and nutrition.
- Address national-security concerns linked to childhood obesity, chronic diseases, and sedentary behavior, which could impact workforce and military readiness.

3) Administration and Operations
- Executive Director: The President will appoint an Executive Director to manage daily operations, liaison with the President, and oversee engagement with federal bodies, athletic institutions, and community partners.
- Agency Information and Support: Federal departments/agencies may furnish information and assistance to the Council, as permitted by law and subject to funding.
- Compensation: Council members serve without pay but may receive travel reimbursement and per diem, subject to applicable law and funds.
- Funding and Support: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides funding and administrative/technical support as needed and subject to appropriations.
- Subcommittees: The Council may establish subcommittees with the President’s approval.
- Seal: The Council may modify the seal of the existing President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to reflect the new name.
- Federal Advisory Committee Act: The operation of the Council is subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, with some adjustments through HHS oversight and GSA guidelines; reporting to Congress is not specified as a Council duty.

4) Duration and Availability of Funds
- Termination: The Council terminates 2 years after enactment unless extended by the President.
- Funding for programs: Funds appropriated after enactment for the Presidential Youth Fitness Program can be used to establish the Presidential Fitness Test in U.S. schools.

5) Related Administrative Details
- The bill specifies that the Council will work with multiple sectors (schools, professional sports, community groups) and emphasizes nutrition and physical activity as integrated themes.
- The bill text indicates bipartisan sponsorship and multiple co-sponsors.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Students: Potential reintroduction and emphasis on a standardized Presidential Fitness Test as a primary assessment within schools, tied to a Presidential Fitness Award system.
  • Schools: May incorporate the PFT and school-based fitness challenges; possible alignment with national and local fitness initiatives and nutrition education.
  • Federal Agencies: HHS and other agencies would provide funding, data, and support; interagency coordination to promote fitness and nutrition initiatives.
  • Stakeholders: Professional athletes, sports organizations, players’ associations, nonprofits, and community groups could participate in partnerships to expand outreach and programming.
  • National Security/Readiness: The bill links youth fitness to broader concerns about workforce and military readiness by addressing obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Timeline and Process

  • Introduction: December 10, 2025; referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Termination: 2 years after enactment unless extended by the President.
  • Implementation: Contingent on appropriations and the acts of participating agencies; the Council is empowered to propose the reestablishment and modernization of the Presidential Fitness Test and related programs.

Notes
- The bill focuses on reviving and modernizing the national fitness framework, with a strong emphasis on school-based assessment, youth engagement, nutrition, and national security considerations.
- Specific dollar amounts or detailed implementation timelines are not provided in the text; funding is contingent on appropriations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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