U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rick Scott (R-FL) reintroduced the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act on Wednesday, January 8, legislation to end the twice-yearly change and make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide.
According to Senator Whitehouse’s office, Senators Whitehouse and Scott were joined as original cosponsors of the legislation by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rand Paul (R-KY), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), James Lankford (R-OK), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Tina Smith (D-MN).
The Senate previously passed the Sunshine Protection Act by unanimous consent in the 117th Congress, and President-elect Donald Trump signaled support last month for ending the practice of changing the clocks.
“Many Rhode Islanders look forward to that March weekend when we ‘spring forward’ and ditch the afternoon darkness of the cold winter months. I’m glad to help lead the bipartisan push to end the antiquated practice of adjusting our clocks twice a year and finally make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide,” said Senator Whitehouse in a statement.
“I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them. In 2018, as Governor of Florida, I signed legislation that would allow the state to opt out of the practice of changing the time and I’ve been a leading effort in getting this done on the federal level. I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of American families,” said Senator Scott in a statement.
Daylight Saving Time begins in mid-March and lasts through the beginning of November each year. The United States enjoys eight months of DST and only four months of Standard Time. Twenty states have enacted legislation or passed resolutions to mandate year-round Daylight Saving Time, but Congress must act before states can adopt these changes.
According to a press release from Senator Whitehouse’s office, there is considerable evidence that making Daylight Saving Time permanent could benefit the American economy and public health, “Studies have shown that economic activity is reduced during Standard Time, and permanent Daylight Saving Time could lead to greater energy and electricity savings. Given an extra hour of afternoon sunlight, Americans exercise more frequently during Daylight Saving Time. Research also suggests that the extra hour of afternoon sun leads to fewer car accidents and evening robberies”.
