Twice a year people change their clocks due to daylight saving time, and to many people, this minor inconvenience is something that they would like permanently removed. Daylight saving time is disliked by many people due to the fact that an hour of sleep is lost, something that can negatively impact an individual’s sleep schedule. In order to potentially solve this problem, a bipartisan group of senators has reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, an act that would get rid of daylight saving time in all states.

Florida senator Marco Rubio currently leads the group of seven senators who are pushing for permanent daylight saving time. At the moment, states have the option to opt-out of daylight saving time, but in order for states to permanently stop using daylight saving time, it needs to be instituted on a federal level. Many states, including California, need this act to pass in order for their already existing laws to go into effect. Because of this, Rubio and some of his fellow senators are pushing for the Sunshine Protection Act.

The senators have also drawn evidence to support the Sunshine Protection Act. Oregon senator, Ron Wyden, stated that “Springing forward and falling back year after year only creates unnecessary confusion while harming Americans’ health and our economy. Making Daylight Saving permanent would give folk an hour back of sunshine during winter months when we need it most.” The National Review states that daylight saving time can negatively impact a person’s body by creating social jet lag, which can lead a person’s body to be thrown off of its usual rhythm. This can result in an increase in metabolic diseases as well as cardiovascular diseases.

Abigail Lee (9) claims that she “would like it if the senators are successful in making daylight saving time permanent because it is annoying to have to change clocks and it is also annoying to lose an hour of sleep.” While many people are likely to agree, permanent daylight saving time has been suggested unsuccessfully in the past. It is not certain whether or not the Sunshine Protection Act will be a success, but people are still hopeful that this act will pass. As Marco Rubio stated, “The call to end the antiquated practice of clock changing is gaining momentum throughout the nation.” Because of this, Americans may see permanent daylight saving time in the near future if the Sunshine Protection Act succeeds.