Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at encouraging more active and healthier lifestyles across the United States. The proposed Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release a comprehensive set of “Physical Activity Recommendations (PAR) for Americans” every ten years.
Moore, who serves as Chair of the House Budget Committee’s Health Care Task Force, highlighted the economic impact of declining physical activity. “As Chair of the House Budget Committee’s Health Care Task Force, I’m always looking at what drives costs in our health system. Declining physical activity has been linked to over $100 billion in annual health care costs. Beyond the financial implications, sedentary lifestyles also pose a significant threat to Americans’ long-term quality of life,” Rep. Moore said. “Young students and adults in many professions often don’t prioritize regular physical exercise or don’t know where to start. The recommendations that will come as a result of this bill will be a tremendous resource for parents, schools, lawmakers, and health providers as we help each other stay active.”
Panetta emphasized the importance of basing government recommendations on current science. “The federal government’s physical activity recommendations must be based on the latest science,” Rep. Panetta said. “The Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act would codify regular updates in exercise standards to make sure Americans are able to invest in their health in smart and informed ways. An active lifestyle is one of the best preventative medicines, and by keeping ourselves informed, we can promote healthier habits in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country.”
Support for the bill came from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Its president Carrie Jaworski stated: “We applaud and fully support the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act. We commend Congressman Blake Moore and Congressman Jimmy Panetta for their commitment to providing the most current, evidenced-informed physical activity recommendations for all demographic groups.” ACSM Chief Executive Officer Katie Feltman added: “ACSM and its members have worked tirelessly to ensure the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act becomes law. When it does, we will stand ready to lend our scientific expertise to HHS as we work together to facilitate better health through increased physical activity.”
According to HHS data cited by lawmakers, more than 40% of U.S. adults and 19% of youth are considered obese—a condition linked with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Lack of physical activity is described as a key factor behind these trends.
The first edition of national “Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) for Americans” was published in 2008 during President Bush’s administration; an updated version followed under President Trump in 2018. However, there is currently no established process ensuring regular updates.
Blake Moore has represented Utah’s 1st district in Congress since replacing Rob Bishop in 2021 https://moore.house.gov/about/full-biography.htm . He was born in Ogden, Utah in 1980 and lives in Salt Lake City; he graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in 2005.
For more information about this legislation or its supporters, further details are available online.
