As the clock change approaches on November 2, 2023, Congress is considering legislation that could end the biannual shift for good. Several lawmakers are advocating for permanent daylight saving time, aiming to prevent the upcoming fallback that would shorten daylight hours in the evening. Current proposals in Congress reflect a growing desire among some members to set the nation’s clocks to daylight saving time year-round.
Legislative Efforts in Motion
By early September, four bills related to daylight saving time were making their way through Congress. Two of these bills propose that the United States adopt year-round daylight saving time, while the other two would empower individual states to choose whether to observe permanent daylight saving time. All four bills have been referred to committee, with one requiring a revote to comply with Senate rules.
The House and Senate versions of the Sunshine Protection Act have gained traction since their introduction in January. Originally introduced by now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the act aims to keep clocks set to daylight saving time throughout the year. Rubio’s earlier attempts to pass the bill, particularly in 2021, garnered bipartisan support and successfully passed in the Senate, though it did not advance in the House.
Vern Buchanan, a Republican representative from Florida, has also reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act this year. In the Senate, Rick Scott, another Florida Republican, has taken up the mantle. Their efforts have attracted the support of over two dozen Republican representatives, including:
- Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan (R-PA)
- Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. (R-PA)
- Rep. Strong, Dale W. (R-AL)
- Rep. Webster, Daniel (R-FL)
- Rep. Newhouse, Dan (R-WA)
- Rep. Davidson, Warren (R-OH)
- Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira (R-FL)
- Rep. Meuser, Daniel (R-PA)
- Rep. Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” (R-GA)
- Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. (R-OK)
- Rep. Burlison, Eric (R-MO)
- Rep. McCormick, Richard (R-GA)
- Rep. Rutherford, John H. (R-FL)
- Rep. Mills, Cory (R-FL)
- Rep. Haridopolos, Mike (R-FL)
- Rep. Lee, Laurel M. (R-FL)
- Rep. Mace, Nancy (R-SC)
- Rep. Boebert, Lauren (R-CO)
- Rep. Ezell, Mike (R-MS)
- Rep. Bean, Aaron (R-FL)
- Rep. Moore, Barry (R-AL)
- Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina (R-FL)
- Rep. Obernolte, Jay (R-CA)
- Rep. Houchin, Erin (R-IN)
- Rep. Barrett, Tom (R-MI)
- Rep. Rouzer, David (R-NC)
Bipartisan Support and Future Prospects
Scott’s Senate version of the Sunshine Protection Act has also attracted bipartisan support, including endorsements from notable senators such as:
- Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
- Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI)
- Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)
- Sen. James Lankford (R-OK)
- Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
- Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)
- Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
- Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN)
- Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN)
- Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
- Sen. Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL)
- Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA)
- Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA)
- Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL)
- Sen. Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY)
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
- Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on Scott’s bill in April, allowing it to advance out of committee. Despite this progress, the bill still requires additional votes, reflecting the complexities of legislative processes.
Without swift action from Congress, much of the United States is set to revert to standard time on November 2. As discussions continue, the outcome of these proposals remains uncertain, but the momentum for a permanent shift to daylight saving time is evident among many lawmakers.
