BIPARTISAN
Senate Has Passed Legislation to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
The Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan measure, would eliminate the need for Americans to adjust their clocks twice a year
“No more switching clocks, more daylight hours to spend outside after school and after work, and more smiles — that is what we get with permanent Daylight Saving Time,” Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, the original cosponsor of the legislation, said in a statement.
On Tuesday, March 15, the Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent throughout the United States.
The Sunshine Protection Act, proposed by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Marco Rubio of Florida, would eliminate the need for Americans to change their clocks twice a year.
The bipartisan measure would permanently extend daylight saving time (DST) from eight months of the year to the full 12 months.
However, the bill still has to be approved by the House and signed by President Joe Biden before it becomes law.
Almost a dozen states in the United States have already implemented Daylight Saving Time.
Daylight Saving Time
- Daylight Saving Time refers to the period between spring and autumn when clocks in most country regions are adjusted one hour ahead of standard time.
- The last time Americans changed their clocks was on Sunday, March 13, 2022.
- In most of the nation, standard time lasts around four months.
Research Results
- The senators who sponsored the bill indicated why they supported it, including research demonstrating its harmful health implications.
- According to Rubio’s press release, some studies have shown that instituting permanent Daylight Saving Time might result in fewer automobile accidents, reduced rates of seasonal depression, and increased rates of physical activity.
- It may also enhance economic activity and reduce energy consumption and would most likely benefit workers whose schedules are interrupted by time changes, such as agricultural laborers.
- While the proposed adjustment would keep it darker for individuals who get up early in the winter, legislators claim that many more people, particularly children and families, would benefit from additional light at the end of the day.
Closing Thoughts
Daylight Saving Time has never been to my liking.
The main reason is that I find the dark mornings to be a significant drawback.I also don’t particularly appreciate having to adjust all the clocks in my house twice a year.
I would much rather have longer daylight hours in the evenings.
What are your thoughts on making Daylight Saving Time permanent? Please share in the comments.
A version of this story originally appeared on NewsBreak.
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