Senators Suggest Permanent Daylight Saving Time
A group of senators are suggesting making daylight saving time permanent.
March 22, 2021
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.
Emily Eslao • Apr 12, 2021 at 10:07 PM
I definitely agree with the arguments against the practice, at the very least it’s often an inconvenience and I wonder if the legislation will pass. I had no idea senators were even considering it, so I’ll be sure to stay updated on the situation now that I’ve read this.
Nikole galea • Apr 12, 2021 at 4:19 PM
Wow, great article. I know that a couple states within the US already don’t have daylight savings. I also agree with Abigail Lee, it just doesn’t feel right throughout the day with different times plus the hassle with the clocks is super sucky.
Tiana Salisbury • Apr 9, 2021 at 9:26 PM
I really hope daylight saving time becomes permanent! I find it really annoying since it takes me so long to adjust to the new time, only for the time to change as soon as I get used to it! Great article!
Kylie de Best • Apr 8, 2021 at 5:59 PM
I feel that daylight savings time was always very inconvenient for people, as my whole life I was never able to adjust to the constant time changes. However, I always did enjoy the one hour behind time change.
Suhani Bhanvadia • Mar 28, 2021 at 5:53 PM
I would love for daylight savings time to be permanent. I often completely forget about it and it takes a while to get used to the new sleeping pattern.