[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 11364-11366]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1140
         SUPPORTING NATIONAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT WEEK

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 1373) expressing support for designation of the 
week beginning May 2, 2010, as ``National Physical Education and Sport 
Week''.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1373

       Whereas the week beginning May 2, 2010, is observed as 
     National Physical Education and Sport Week;
       Whereas a decline in physical activity has contributed to 
     an unprecedented epidemic of childhood obesity in the United 
     States, which has more than tripled since 1980;
       Whereas regular physical activity is necessary to support 
     normal and healthy growth in children and is essential to 
     their continued health and well-being;
       Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, overweight adolescents have a 70 to 80 percent 
     chance of becoming overweight adults, increasing their risk 
     for chronic disease, disability, and death;
       Whereas physical activity reduces the risk of heart 
     disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of 
     cancers;
       Whereas type 2 diabetes can no longer be referred to as 
     ``late in life'' or ``adult onset'' diabetes because it 
     occurs in children as young as 10 years old;
       Whereas the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 
     published by the Department of Health and Human Services, 
     recommend that children engage in at least 60 minutes of 
     physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of the 
     week;
       Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, only 17 percent of high school students meet that 
     goal of 60 minutes of physical activity a day;
       Whereas children spend many of their waking hours at school 
     and therefore need to be active during the school day to meet 
     the recommendations of the Physical Activity Guidelines for 
     Americans;
       Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, 1 in 4 children in the United States does not 
     attend any school physical education classes and fewer than 1 
     in 4 children in the United States engage in 20 minutes of 
     vigorous physical activity each day;
       Whereas teaching children about physical activity and 
     sports not only ensures that they are physically active 
     during the school day, but also educates them on how to be 
     physically active and the importance of being physically 
     active;
       Whereas, according to a 2006 survey by the Department of 
     Health and Human Services, 3.8 percent of elementary schools, 
     7.9 percent of middle schools, and 2.1 percent of high 
     schools provide daily physical education classes or the 
     equivalent for the entire school year, and 22 percent of 
     schools do not require students to take any physical 
     education classes at all;
       Whereas, according to that survey, 13.7 percent of 
     elementary schools, 15.2 percent of middle schools, and 3.0 
     percent of high schools provided physical education at least 
     3 days per week, or the equivalent thereof, for the entire 
     school year for students in all grades in the school;
       Whereas research shows that fit and active children are 
     more likely to thrive academically;

[[Page 11365]]

       Whereas increased time in physical education classes can 
     improve children's attention and concentration and result in 
     higher test scores;
       Whereas participation in sports teams and physical activity 
     clubs, which are often organized by schools and run outside 
     the regular school day, can improve students' grade point 
     averages, attachment to schools, educational aspirations, and 
     the likelihood of graduating;
       Whereas participation in sports and other physical 
     activities also improves self-esteem and body image in 
     children and adults;
       Whereas children and youth who take part in physical 
     activity and sports programs develop improved motor skills, 
     healthy lifestyles, improved social skills, a sense of fair 
     play, strong teamwork skills, and self-discipline and avoid 
     risky behaviors;
       Whereas the social and environmental factors affecting 
     children are in the control of the adults and the communities 
     in which children live, and therefore the Nation shares a 
     collective responsibility in reversing the childhood obesity 
     trend;
       Whereas efforts to improve the fitness level of children 
     who are not physically fit may also result in improvements in 
     academic performance; and
       Whereas the House of Representatives strongly supports 
     efforts to increase physical activity and participation of 
     youth in sports: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the designation of ``National Physical 
     Education and Sport Week'';
       (2) recognizes the central role of physical education and 
     sports in creating healthy lifestyles for all children and 
     youth;
       (3) encourages school districts to implement local wellness 
     policies, as described in section 204 of the Child Nutrition 
     and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 1751 note), 
     that include ambitious goals for physical education, physical 
     activity, and other activities addressing the childhood 
     obesity epidemic and promoting child wellness; and
       (4) encourages schools to offer physical education classes 
     to students and to work with community partners to provide 
     opportunities and safe spaces for physical activities before 
     and after school and during the summer months for all 
     children and youth.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Payne) and the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. McMorris 
Rodgers) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.


                             General Leave

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House 
Resolution 1373 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1373, which 
recognizes the critical importance of physical education and physical 
activity for all of our Nation's children and youth by celebrating 
National Physical Education and Sport Week. Participation in physical 
education and sports programs not only helps children stay physically 
fit, but contributes to a range of academic, social, and personal 
gains. With the observance of this week, coaches, educators, and 
parents around the country will promote greater youth participation in 
physical education and help tackle the growing problem of childhood 
obesity.
  Since 1980, the childhood obesity rate in America has more than 
tripled. The increase in obesity is, in large part, due to a decrease 
in regular physical exercise. Fewer than one in five adolescents now 
meet the Center for Disease Control's recommended 60 minutes of 
physical activity per day. Many children do not have the opportunity to 
participate in physical education. Only a fraction of the Nation's 
elementary, middle, and high schools are provided regular physical 
education classes.
  Physical activity reduces the risk of heart attack, heart disease, 
high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Research 
shows that children who have the opportunity to engage in physical 
activity regularly are more likely to thrive academically and graduate. 
In addition to improved academic performance, participation in sports 
teams and other physical activities can improve behavior, increase 
self-esteem, develop social skills, and help kids lead a healthy 
lifestyle as an adult. We are responsible for educating our children 
about physical education and for providing opportunities for fitness. 
National Physical Education and Sport Week reaffirms the importance of 
healthy bodies and healthy minds in our communities and schools.
  Mr. Speaker, I once again express my support for House Resolution 
1373, the National Physical Education and Sport Week. I thank 
Congressman Altmire for introducing this resolution, and I urge my 
colleagues to support this fine resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 1373, expressing support 
for designating the week beginning May 2, 2010, as National Physical 
Education and Sport Week. Today, childhood obesity rates are alarmingly 
high and continue to increase. Over 33 percent of America's elementary 
school children are overweight or obese and 13 percent of America's 
high school children. These increasing rates are associated with 
increased rates of diseases in children that were only seen in adults 
until recently. Obese children have been shown to be at an increased 
risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and 
numerous other debilitating diseases. In addition childhood obesity can 
significantly increase the risk that a child will be obese in 
adulthood.
  Physical activity is key to preventing these kinds of illnesses in 
both children and adults. Regular physical activity substantially 
reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, strokes, colon cancer, 
diabetes, and high blood pressure. It's important to treat and address 
obesity and begin and sustain the weight loss process. Physical 
activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial, but America's youth 
are participating at an ever decreasing rate.
  Physical education and sports encourage children to participate in 
physical activity on a regular basis in a group setting that can foster 
teamwork, competition, and a sense of accomplishments. Participation of 
children in organizing sports has grown in recent decades. However, the 
percentage of children participating in daily physical activity has 
declined. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 
that children engage in 60 minutes of physical activity on most or all 
days of the week. However, only 17 percent of high school students are 
meeting this recommendation.
  National Physical Education and Sport Week highlights the benefits of 
physical education and sports in the lives of America's children. 
Highlighting the importance of such benefits encourages our children to 
begin healthy physical activity and habits that continue throughout 
their lives. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the sponsor of H. Res. 1373, the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Altmire).
  Mr. ALTMIRE. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my resolution to honor National 
Physical Education and Sport Week. More than one-third of America's 
elementary school children are overweight or obese, and more than 13 
percent of America's high school children are overweight or obese. As a 
result, these children are now developing diseases and vascular 
conditions that were once thought to affect only the middle-aged, such 
as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In 
addition, research has shown that children that participate in physical 
activity perform better in the classroom. So the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention recommend that children engage in 60 minutes of 
physical activity 5 or more days per week. However, only 35 percent of 
our Nation's children regularly meet this recommendation.
  This resolution, which I introduced, acknowledges that physical 
activity and sports play a central role in creating an opportunity for 
children to build lifelong healthy habits. And it's

[[Page 11366]]

for this reason, Mr. Speaker, that I introduced this resolution, and I 
encourage all of my colleagues to support it.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).
  Mr. SARBANES. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I just wanted to commend my colleague, Congressman Altmire, for 
introducing this resolution to designate the week beginning May 2 as 
National Physical Education and Sport Week.
  Today, the President is going to be launching at Bell Multicultural 
High School in Columbia Heights, here in the District of Columbia, the 
President's Council on Fitness, Sport, and Nutrition, which expands on 
the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, which has been 
in place since the Kennedy administration, the Eisenhower 
administration. It brings the kind of focus to physical fitness and 
sports and nutrition that Congressman Altmire has signaled with this 
resolution.
  Again, I commend him for bringing that attention to this issue, and I 
urge support of this resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to communicate my 
support for designating the week of May 2, 2010 as ``National Physical 
Education and Sport Week.'' America faces an obesity crisis, and this 
problem is particularly harmful to our children. The childhood obesity 
rate has more than tripled since 1980, and today the CDC places the 
rate at approximately 17%. This crisis, however, does not affect all 
children equally. It disproportionately affects children from racial/
ethnic minority groups and from low-income families. Although only 16% 
of Caucasians aged 12-19 are obese, 24% of African Americans and 21% of 
Hispanics are obese. Obesity in childhood is particularly troubling 
given that obese children often develop many diseases in their youth 
that typically occur in adults, such as Type II diabetes. Frequently, 
these children also develop risk factors for cardiovascular disease, 
including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Furthermore, 
obesity in childhood increases the likelihood of obesity and its 
associated health problems in adulthood, including coronary heart 
disease, stroke, and cancer. In addition to the negative health effects 
of childhood obesity, the crisis also proves costly to the health care 
system. It is estimated that childhood obesity costs the U.S. 
approximately $3 billion a year, and this number will only grow worse 
if we fail to correct this problem.
  Although many factors contribute to the increased obesity of our 
children, including the lack of nutrition in many children's diets, a 
key variable is that the American life style has changed to be more 
sedentary both in school and at home. Physical activity during the 
school day is restricted much more now than in the past. Only 15% of 
middle schools and 3% of high schools offer all their students physical 
education three or more days a week. Many schools offer PE only once a 
week, with recess seen as an extra rather than a key part of child 
development. In the past, children played outside for hours after 
school, but active outdoor time is now much rarer. A 2009 study found 
that children ages 8-18 watch an average of three hours of television a 
day. Although these factors affect all children, they are intensified 
for minority and low income children. Schools in low income areas often 
cut physical education to one day a week to focus on reading and math. 
Minimum wage jobs rarely offer the flexibility needed to get kids to 
sports practices and events; doing so is even harder when public 
transportation is necessary. Some communities lack safe places to play 
outdoors, so children engage in more sedentary activities inside. 
Frequently, low income communities lack grocery stores and options for 
fresh produce. We must work to reemphasize the importance of physical 
activity, so that each child has an equal chance at living a healthy 
life.
  We cannot allow this unwholesome future to become the destiny of 
America's children. Let us instead face this problem, and help these 
children. We can begin to fight this epidemic by recognizing the 
importance of physical education and sport in children's lives. 
Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1373.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time but would 
like to urge that House Resolution 1373 be passed. We also in my 
district on Saturday will be having a community meeting dealing with 
obesity, in line with the President and First Lady Obama's initiative 
to battle obesity. We've been doing this now for the past decade. It's 
in epidemic proportions in some districts. So we do urge the people to 
come out to Metropolitan Church on Saturday to participate. But we 
believe that this is very important. The health of our Nation is at 
stake. And so I certainly urge support of the National Physical 
Education and Sport Week, House Resolution 1373, and urge passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1373.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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