Rubio's Latest Move: Pushing for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

The upcoming Daylight Saving Time has prompted the reintroduction of the Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for the 118th Congress. The act aims to end the outdated practice of changing the clocks twice a year, which has bipartisan and popular support. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) has introduced companion legislation in the House. 

The legislation has attracted original cosponsors in the form of Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tina Smith (D-MN), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

According to Senator Rubio: “This ritual of changing the time twice a year is stupid. Locking the clock has overwhelming bipartisan and popular support. This Congress, I hope that we can finally get this done.”

Senator Tuberville, for his part, believes that "Alabamians have overwhelmingly expressed their support for the Sunshine Protection Act, and I promised them I’d continue pushing to do away with the outdated practice of adjusting our clocks twice a year. It’s time for America to move forward and stop falling back. Congress should listen to the people and make Daylight Saving Time permanent.”

Senator Markey, meanwhile, has been fighting for daylight saving time extension and claims that “Over the years, I’ve fought and won to extend daylight saving time—adding two months’ worth of sun to the American people’s calendar. It’s past time for Congress to broaden its horizons and finally make daylight saving time permanent. With the Sunshine Protection Act, we can shine a light on the darkest days of the year and deliver more sun, more smiles, and brighter skies.”

It's clear that lawmakers, including Senators Rubio, Lankford, and Paul, want Congress to act and pass this bill, which will deliver public safety improvements, economic benefits, and even mental health benefits to the nation. Once passed, states will have the freedom to decide whether to permanently follow Daylight Saving Time, making the change to lock the clocks a much-needed one.

Senator Wyden is on a mission to end the nonsensical time-change shenanigans that have plagued our society twice a year. With science and logic behind him, he recognizes that year-round daylight would greatly benefit our health, give kids more time to play outside after school, and encourage folks to support local businesses with leisurely sunlit strolls through their neighborhoods. The Sunshine Protection Act is just what we need, and Senator Wyden is fully committed to seeing it finally become law.

For those interested in learning more, a concise and informative overview of the bill can be found by clicking on this link.

In March of 2022, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act proposed by Rubio, paving the way for it to be considered by the House. Despite widespread support among elected officials and citizens alike, the bill was never brought to a vote by former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. However, Senator Wyden remains steadfast in his determination to turn the tide and bring an end to daylight saving time once and for all.