Rubio and Scott push to extend Daylight Saving Time until 2021

Florida Senators Marco Rubio (R) and Rick Scott (R) introduced legislation this week that would keep the United States on Daylight Saving Time through November 7^th, 2021. The bill was introduced to provide one year of stability for families that dealing with changes regarding virtual learning, having to work from home and countless other disruptions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In introducing the bill, Senator Rubio explained that “our government has asked a lot of the American people over the past seven months, and keeping the nation on Daylight Savings Time. Is just one small. Step we can take to help ease the burden,” adding that “more daylight in the after school hours is critical to helping families and children endure this challenging school year.”

The Florida lawmaker noted that “studies have shown many benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time, and while I believe we should make it permanent all year around, I urge my colleagues to – at the very least – work with me to avoid changing the clocks this fall.”

Echoing in his remarks, Senator Scott, the former Florida Governor, expressed that “after months of staying inside amid the coronavirus pandemic, families across the nation could use a little more sunshine and time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer.”

Scott also reminded that he “signed legislation as Governor to continue Daylight Saving Time year-round for Floridians,” and he asserted that he will continue to join Senator Rubio in leading “this effort in Congress.”

Should Daylight Saving Time be made permanent in the United States, statistics show that it would greatly assist in different aspects of Americans’ lives. For example, it would reduce car crashes and accidents involving pedestrians, it would reduce the risk of strokes, cardiac issues and seasonal depression along with reducing the number of robberies committed by 27%.