Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) – a founding member of the Senate Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus – confirmed the caucus will take a look at "locking the clock," making Daylight Savings Time permanent around the country.
In a social media post on X responding to Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Elon Musk, Sen. Scott stated that there is a “100%” chance that ending the semi-annual tradition of falling back and springing forward is a possibility.
100%
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 27, 2024
If approved, twilight golfers everywhere will rejoice.
Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) pushed 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.
However, with Elon Musk’s backing and more national attention on the issue, it could gain the necessary momentum to “lock the clock” and keep Daylight Savings Time permanently. If passed before March 9, the United States (if all states participate) would remain in that time slot in perpetuity.
The former Florida governor recently 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.”
As for the DOGE Caucus, it was founded late last week and will identify and eliminate wasteful government activities with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) as its leader.
The DOGE caucus also includes a House of Representatives arm, as Representatives Aaron Bean (R-FL) and Pete Sessions (R-TX) were named as co-chairs of the DOGE caucus in the House of Representatives.
Ernst is also working with Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.). Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) in founding the Senate DOGE Caucus.
