A bipartisan group of senators reintroduces legislation to make daylight saving time permanent, sparking debate over health and societal impacts.
At a Glance
- Senators reintroduce the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent year-round
- Bill aims to eliminate biannual clock changes and provide more evening daylight
- Health experts argue for standard time, citing alignment with natural circadian rhythms
- Debate continues over potential impacts on public safety, economy, and well-being
Bipartisan Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
A group of senators, led by Republican Rick Scott of Florida, has reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill designed to make daylight saving time permanent across the United States. This legislation, which has garnered bipartisan support, aims to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year, a tradition that many Americans find disruptive and unnecessary.
The Sunshine Protection Act has a history of support in Congress. In the 117th Congress, the Senate unanimously passed the bill, but it stalled in the House of Representatives. Now, with renewed vigor and backing from both sides of the aisle, senators are pushing for its passage once again.
In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed my bill to Lock the Clock on Daylight Saving Time.
Making DST permanent is more popular than ever with 22 states supporting it.
Congress should pass my bill and make this a law once and for all. pic.twitter.com/cjpENFtQce
— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) November 3, 2023
Potential Benefits and Support
Proponents of the bill argue that making daylight saving time permanent would provide numerous benefits to American society. These include more evening sunlight for outdoor activities, potential reductions in crime rates due to increased daylight, and economic advantages for businesses that rely on daylight hours.
“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. 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,” Sen. Rick Scott said.
Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential positive impact on public health and family time. The bill has also received support from various industries, including the golf sector, which sees potential for increased business with longer evening daylight hours.
Health Concerns and Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm from some quarters, the proposal faces opposition from sleep experts and health professionals. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has voiced concerns about the potential negative health impacts of permanent daylight saving time. They argue that standard time more closely aligns with natural circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep quality and potentially reducing accident risks.
“Permanent, year-round standard time is the best choice to most closely match our circadian sleep-wake cycle. Daylight saving time results in more darkness in the morning and more light in the evening, disrupting the body’s natural rhythm,” Dr. M. Adeel Rishi said.
The AASM cites research indicating increased risks of strokes, hospital admissions, and traffic fatalities associated with daylight saving time. These health concerns have led some experts to advocate for permanent standard time instead of permanent daylight saving time.
Legislative Outlook and Public Opinion
As the debate continues, the bill’s fate remains uncertain. While it has gained traction in the Senate, concerns raised by health experts and some lawmakers may influence its progress. Representative Greg Steube is leading a companion bill in the House of Representatives, and discussions are expected in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
“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,” Sen. Ed Markey said.
Public opinion on the matter remains divided, with some Americans eager for more evening daylight and others concerned about dark winter mornings. As legislators weigh the pros and cons, the future of America’s timekeeping practices hangs in the balance, promising to affect daily life for millions of citizens across the nation.