As Clocks Are Set to Fall Back, Senators Markey and Rubio Call for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Boston (October 30, 2024) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fl.), cosponsors of the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, which would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent, again called for passage of their legislation to stop the twice-yearly process of changing clocks in the Spring and Fall. In March 2022, the Sunshine Protection Act unanimously passed the Senate.

"This head-spinning ritual of falling back and springing forward has gone on long enough," said Senator Markey. "It isn't just a nuisance - changing our clocks also has a very real impact on our economy, our health, and our happiness. More sun means more fun, so let's pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make for brighter days year-round."

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

As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, then-Representative Markey and Congressman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) amended the Uniform Time Act of 1966, extending the duration of DST in the Spring by changing its start date from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March, and in the Fall by changing its end date from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in November. In 1985, then-Representative Markey partnered with Congressman Carlos Moorhead (R-Calif.) to extend DST by three weeks by changing the beginning of Daylight Saving Time from the last Sunday in April to the first Sunday in April.

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