Congressman Alex X. Mooney has introduced a discharge petition to bring H.R. 69 – Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 to the House Floor for immediate consideration. The legislation would end the twice-a-year clock change that takes place every November and March.
Earlier this year, Senator Marco Rubio introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate to make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country. This bill passed the Senate unanimously. Congressman Vern Buchanan, introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives that has been put on the backburner by House leadership.
“Today, I initiated a discharge petition to bring this bipartisan legislation up for immediate consideration. Changing our clocks twice a year is inconvenient and entirely unnecessary. It’s time to end this antiquated practice,” said Congressman Alex X. Mooney. “There are enormous health and economic benefits to making daylight saving time permanent. I urge my colleagues to sign this discharge petition and never reset your clocks again.”
In the last five years, 19 states have enacted similar legislation. If passed by the House and signed into law by President Joe Biden, the Sunshine Protection Act would apply to those states that currently participate in DST, which most states observe for eight months out of the year. States and territories that currently remain on Standard Time year-round would continue to do so. Many studies have shown that making DST permanent could benefit the economy and the country.