Rubio, Scott Try Again to 'Lock the Clock' on Daylight Saving Time

Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) are once again pushing for the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) the national year-round standard. In 2018, Sen. Scott signed a bill as Governor of Florida, which would trigger approval of the time change if it is approved federally.

The United States (excluding Arizona and Hawaii) is observing Daylight Savings Time. It ends on Nov. 3.

The former Florida governor stated that it is “now Washington’s turn” to establish Daylight Savings Time as the standard across America.

“Floridians are sick of changing their clocks because we all want more sunshine. It’s time for Congress to act, pass the Sunshine Protection Act and lock the clock,” said Sen. Scott. “I’m proud to be leading the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act with Senator Rubio to get this done. When I was Governor of Florida, I signed this bill into law on the state level. Now it’s Washington’s turn and we should finish the job by immediately passing this good bill.”

Furthermore, Sen. Rubio added that the practice of switching the clocks back and forth is “ridiculous and antiquated” and agreed that it’s time to “lock the clock” permanently.

“It’s time to lock the clock and stop enduring the ridiculous and antiquated practice of switching our clocks back and forth,” said Sen. Rubio. “Let’s finally pass my Sunshine Protection Act and end the need to ‘fall back’ and ‘spring forward’ for good.”

Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ed Markey, Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) are cosponsors of the Sunshine Protection Act in the Senate.

Representative Vern Buchanan introduced companion legislation in the House. Last Congress, the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act.

According to Sen. Scott’s office, keeping the clocks at DST prevents up to a 4.9% loss in economic activity, reduces car crashes and robberies, allows for more consistency for farmers, and lowers the risk of health problems such as childhood obesity and strokes while increasing physical fitness.