Washington, D.C. (August 2, 2021) - The advocacy efforts of ACSM continued to pay dividends on Friday, as the United States Senate passed S. 1301, the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act.

Senators Sherrod Brown, Roger Wicker and Shelley Moore Capito introduced the legislation, which would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare and promote physical activity recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence at least every 10 years. Federal guidelines were first issued in 2008 and no regular administrative process exists for subsequent revisions.

In addition, the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act would also direct HHS, five years after the release of each set of recommendations, to publish a midcourse report highlighting best practices and continuing issues relating to physical activity among Americans.

ACSM has been a major player in building support for the bill, and more than 80 national organizations support the legislation. Given the strong base of science and medicine that shows the benefits of exercise, every American needs to know the current physical activity recommendations to promote health and combat obesity.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives. ACSM urges its members, certified professionals and all physical activity advocates to contact their representative and ask them to cosponsor the bill.  For convenience, use the ACSM Action Alert. Thank you for taking this step in the interest of better health and fitness for all Americans.

Should the House pass the legislation with no changes, it will move to the president for his signature. ACSM will share updates when available.