A push to keep daylight saving time permanent is garnering attention once again in the Senate, with a panel convening this week to hear from health and industry experts on the benefits of sunnier afternoons.
The Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing Thursday on the proposal to “lock the clock,” eliminating requirements to set clocks back in the fall and therefore making permanent daylight saving time, which currently lasts from March to November.
Maintaining daylight saving time has bipartisan support on Capitol Hill. Earlier this year, Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) reintroduced the “Sunshine Protection Act,” S. 29, which would make the time change permanent. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation in the House.
A version of the bill passed the Senate in 2022, under the sponsorship of then-Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who now serves as secretary of State. The House did not follow through.
