Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rick Scott (R-FL) yesterday reintroduced the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, legislation to end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. 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.
“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.
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.
“Every year, more Americans grow more frustrated setting their clocks back and forth, and every winter folks in Washington state despair at the prospect of losing an hour of precious sunlight when we are forced off Daylight Saving Time. That growing frustration has also meant growing momentum, across the country and across the political spectrum, for the Sunshine Protection Act—which is why I am excited to reintroduce this bill today with strong bipartisan support and determined to work with anyone I can to finally get permanent Daylight Saving Time passed into federal law. This is about public health, it is about our economy, and it’s about just putting a little more light in families’ lives so they can spend time together, outdoors, in the sunshine,” said Senator Murray.
“The Sunshine Protection Act will allow states the freedom to decide if they want to permanently follow Daylight Saving Time or not. I’m proud to support legislation to end the antiquated practice of changing clocks twice a year,”said Senator Paul.
“The head-spinning ritual of falling back and springing forward has a very real impact on our economy, our health, and our happiness. Let’s say goodbye to 4pm winter sunsets and pass the Sunshine Protection Act for permanent Daylight Saving Time — permanently springing forward for brighter evenings year-round,” said Senator Markey.
“Twice a year Oklahomans ask themselves—why do we still have to change our clocks? Moms of young children dread the time of year when clocks change, but babies’ schedules don’t. It is past time to get this bill to the President’s desk so we can stop the annoying twice-a-year reset of the clocks. Let’s lock the clocks,” said Senator Lankford.
“More time for sunshine. Less time changing your clocks. The bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act is a no-brainer. Let’s get it passed this Congress,” said Senator Heinrich.
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.
