Turning Back Clocks A Thing Of The Past? Senate Passes Sunshine Protection Act
The Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to make daylight saving time permanent across the U.S. starting in 2023.
The bill heads to the House. If it passes, it would mean there would be no more changing of clocks in the fall and spring.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., spoke on the Senate floor Tuesday to discuss the importance of the bill. He said that research shows there is an increase in heart attacks, car accidents and pedestrian accidents because of the time change.
Studies have found assault rates are higher on the Monday that follows the end of daylight saving time, compared with the next Monday.
Rubio cited that research shows the benefits of daylight saving time. Rubio noted that it "reduced crime as there's light later in the day. We've seen decreases in child obesity. A decrease in seasonal depression that many feel during Standard Time."
Rubio pointed out that if you don’t have a park with lights, then you are basically shut down at 5 p.m. and this causes activities to become unavailable to people.
"Springing forward and falling back year after year only creates unnecessary confusion while harming Americans' health and our economy," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
"Making Daylight Saving permanent would give folks an hour back of sunshine during the winter months when we need it most," Wyden added.
If passed, the bill would be delayed till November 2023 because of airlines, broadcasters and transportation methods that have already created schedules on the existing timeline.
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