President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and the Reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test
This Executive Order reestablishes the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition (the Council) and directs the reestablishment of a modernized Presidential Fitness Test to be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with support from the Department of Education. The order revokes a prior 2018 executive order, amends an earlier 2002 order, and sets policy priorities emphasizing youth sports participation, daily physical activity, and good nutrition. It frames declining childhood fitness and rising obesity and chronic disease as threats to public health, the economy, and national security, and tasks the Council with advising the President and recommending programs, partnerships, and goals to improve national fitness. The Council will be an advisory body of up to 30 presidential appointees serving two-year terms, unpaid but eligible for travel reimbursement. HHS will provide administrative support and funding as authorized, and the Council is subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) with some administrative functions delegated to HHS. The order is to be implemented consistent with applicable law and available appropriations and the Council will terminate in two years unless extended.
Key Points
- 1Revocation and amendments: Executive Order 13824 (2018) is revoked; EO 13265 (2002) is amended to rename and reframe the Council and to add provisions for reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test.
- 2Reestablishment of Presidential Fitness Test: The order directs that a Presidential Fitness Test be reestablished and administered by HHS, with support from the Secretary of Education, and that it serve as the main assessment tool for a Presidential Fitness Award.
- 3Council composition and terms: The Council will have up to 30 members appointed by the President, serving two-year terms (eligible for reappointment). The President may name Chairs/Vice Chairs and designate an Executive Director to run day-to-day operations.
- 4Advisory functions and priorities: The Council will advise the President and recommend strategies for (i) reestablishing the fitness test; (ii) school-based programs and challenges rewarding excellence in physical education; (iii) expanding sports and fitness opportunities at all levels; (iv) bold youth fitness goals; (v) campaigns elevating sports, military readiness, and health traditions; and (vi) partnerships with athletes, professional organizations, nonprofits, and community groups.
- 5Administration, oversight, and limits: Federal agencies must provide information and assistance as permitted by law and funding. Members serve without pay (travel reimbursement allowed). HHS will provide funding and administrative/technical support as authorized. The Council is subject to FACA (with HHS performing most presidential functions under it except reporting to Congress) and will terminate two years after the order unless renewed.