Rep. Fudge Introduces the MOVE Act to Support Veterans Affairs Preventative Health Programs

Statement

Today, Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) introduced the More Opportunities for Veterans to Exercise Act of 2019, known as the MOVE Act, to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) ability to provide former service members with access to preventative health care programs. The bill enables the VA to lease space for the purpose of preventative health fitness and updates the definition of preventative health to include physical fitness and fitness counseling.

"Our nation's veterans deserve access to quality health care, including preventative health services that promote physical and mental well-being," said Rep. Fudge. "On the week of Veterans Day, I am proud to introduce the MOVE Act to ensure the VA can lease the space it needs to enroll the greatest number of veterans into its physical fitness programs and counseling services. By expanding access to preventative health care, the VA can prevent disease, reduce health care costs, and improve the quality of life for veterans in communities across America."

Background

The VA currently operates a variety of preventative health programs designed to improve the health of veterans by encouraging healthy eating behavior, increasing physical activity, and promoting weight loss. While these preventative health initiatives have demonstrated success, enrolling over 650,000 individuals who have lost a combined 2,000,000 pounds, the VA lacks adequate space to carry out many of the fitness programs on its properties.

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