Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced the Make America Active Again Act, aimed at setting minimum physical activity requirements for elementary schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The bill mandates that students engage in at least 150 minutes of recess or physical education (PE) each week.

Senator Rubio highlighted the negative impacts of insufficient physical activity, including obesity, attention deficit disorders, poor sleep, and mental health issues. He noted that these challenges have long-term educational and developmental consequences for children.

“Despite the clear benefits of daily recess, only nine states require daily recess for elementary school students,” Rubio stated. “Additionally, many public schools across the U.S. have reduced or completely eliminated opportunities for students to engage in physical activity.”

Rubio emphasized the importance of promoting health and wellness in schools: “As public health outcomes increasingly trend in the wrong direction, it is obvious that the elimination of recess and physical education from public school has been a tragic mistake. The habits our public schools instill in our children will carry forward for the rest of their lives, and it should be a priority to promote health and wellness. Every elementary school student in Florida is guaranteed daily recess or PE. With the Make America Active Again Act, we will ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to participate in physical activity during the school day.”

In previous legislative sessions, Senator Rubio has supported various initiatives related to health and nutrition. In the 118th Congress, he introduced several bills including the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Nutrition Act, Healthy SNAP Act, and SNAP Nutrition Security Act.

Looking ahead to FY 25 farm bill discussions, Senator Rubio plans to continue advocating for his health and nutrition priorities.