House Committee Focuses on Physical Activity Legislation
On April 15, 2026, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, led by Chairmen Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA), held a critical legislative hearing titled “Healthier America: Legislative Proposals to Improve Public Health.”
The hearing explored a bipartisan slate of bills designed to strengthen public health infrastructure, foster innovation, and—most notably for the ACSM community—promote physical activity and wellness.
One of the bills discussed was H.R. 6121, the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act. This legislation is a significant priority for ACSM, as it directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish a report every 10 years that provides evidence-based physical activity recommendations based on the latest scientific data. By codifying the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americansthis bill ensures that clinicians, fitness professionals, and the public have a consistent, science-backed roadmap for using movement to prevent and manage chronic disease.
The subcommittee also focused on the role of technology in modernizing healthcare. Discussions around the Digital Health Screeners Act of 2026 highlighted how wearable technologies are no longer just fitness trackers—they are becoming essential clinical tools.
Witnesses and members discussed how wearables can empower patients to track their own health outcomes in real-time. For ACSM-certified professionals, this legislative movement supports the integration of objective data into exercise prescription and population health management, further bridging the gap between the gym and the clinic.
The legislative framework discussed in this hearing represents a shift toward a more proactive, preventive healthcare system. “By prioritizing prevention, we can help individuals make informed choices and empower them to act sooner,” noted Chairman Griffith during the hearing.
ACSM remains actively engaged on Capitol Hill to ensure that the expertise of exercise scientists and sports medicine professionals is included in these public health solutions. Want to support these efforts? Visit the ACSM Advocacy Action Center to learn how you can contact your representative and urge support for the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act.
ACSM’s statement on the hearing can be found here. NEED TO INSERT COMMITTEE TESTIMONY
U.S. Surgeon General: Saphier Nominated as Means Stalls
The administration’s effort to install new leadership at the U.S. Surgeon General’s office has shifted following a legislative stalemate. The nomination of Dr. Casey Means has effectively failed to advance, leading the White House to formally nominate Dr. Nicole Saphier.
The nomination of Dr. Means, a former ear, nose, and throat surgeon, stalled in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee after failing to secure enough bipartisan support for a floor vote.
Key factors contributing to the impasse included:
- Professional Credentials: Committee members raised concerns regarding her inactive medical license and limited years of clinical practice.
- Public Health Positions: Her public statements regarding the U.S. vaccination program drew opposition from moderate Republicans and Democrats, who viewed her stance as a departure from established public health consensus.
- Financial Disclosures: Scrutiny regarding her ties to various metabolic health and wellness companies created concerns over potential conflicts of interest in federal policymaking.
In response to the deadlock, the administration pivoted to Dr. Saphier, a board-certified radiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center., Saphier maintains a clinical practice and has a background in oncologic imaging.
The strategic shift is intended to address the Senate’s demand for a nominee with more traditional medical experience. However, Saphier’s record as a media contributor and her previous commentary on federal health mandates are expected to be primary subjects of her upcoming confirmation hearings.
The Senate HELP Committee has not yet set a definitive date for Saphier’s initial hearing, though leadership has indicated they intend to begin the process before the summer recess.
Nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC Director
Legislative activity regarding the leadership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) entered a new phase following the formal nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz as the agency’s next permanent director. As the third individual tapped for the role this term, Dr. Schwartz—a retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral and former Deputy Surgeon General—is currently undergoing the vetting process to be confirmed by the Senate.
President Trump officially announced the nomination on April 16, 2026. The nomination has been referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. A specific date for the formal confirmation hearing has not yet been finalized by the committee. However, preliminary meetings between the nominee and committee members began in late April.
Changes to Student Loans
The Department of Education implemented a final rule on April 30, 2026, to align federal borrowing standards with the mandates of federal law. This regulatory shift specifically redefines the eligibility of advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, anesthesia assistants, and other allied health practitioners by removing them from the “professional degree students” designation. These students are now classified under the “graduate degree students” category, which fundamentally alters their access to federal financial aid.
Under this new classification, the maximum annual borrowing limit for these individuals through the Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program is set at $20,500, with a lifetime aggregate cap of $100,000. In contrast, the “professional degree” status is preserved for those in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and clinical psychology. Students in these specific professional tracks continue to be eligible for significantly higher borrowing limits, reaching up to $50,000 per academic year and an overall aggregate debt ceiling of $200,000.
The rule will go into effect for enrollment periods beginning on or after July 1, 2026. The full rule can be found here.
