Yesterday, the leadership organizations of the Physical Activity Alliance sent a letter to President Biden reaffirming the important role of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition as we come out of the pandemic to promote physical activity to address rising factors for chronic disease. We are very anxious to be strong, supportive partners of the Council and we look forward to supporting the Council's efforts to get more Americans moving.

Read the Letter

Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 221 to 201 in favor of the INVEST in America Act, a comprehensive transportation reauthorization package that contains a massive $715 billion investment in surface transportation. The bill is great for active transportation as it dedicates funding to roads, bridges, safety, active transit and more. Improvements to and increased funding for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) means significant expansion of funding for pedestrian and bicycle projects, which will greatly expand opportunities for physical activity. The bill notably includes a national Complete Streets policy, Outdoors for All and Transit to Trails.

The next step in the reauthorization process will be a conference committee with the Senate version of a similar bill.

PHIT is legislation pending in Congress that allows use of pre-tax dollars—flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs)—to pay for health club memberships, fitness equipment, exercise videos, recreation fees, and youth sports costs (leagues, registration, classes, dues), fitness programs and classes, and other expenses directly related to healthy lifestyles.

The PHIT Coalition has put together a website, passPHIT.org which provides information and resources about PHIT and several options for you to reach out to your congressperson in support of the bill.