Daylight Saving Time

Today is the ending of Daylight Saving Time, so be sure to set your clocks back one hour!

There are a number of health problems associated with time change year after year. Permanent daylight saving is certainly worth exploring for positive health benefits and increased safety of Americans. My bill, the DAYLIGHT Act, which would allow states to elect to observe year-round daylight saving time, has stalled in committee. 19 months ago, it was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where it has been stuck ever since.

Nineteen states, including South Carolina, have enacted legislation in favor of year-round daylight saving time. Current federal law only enables states to opt out of daylight saving time and keep standard time year-round. This bill would amend the current law to also include the option for states to have daylight saving time year-round.

Research suggests an association between the time changes and Seasonal Affective Disorder, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Permanent daylight saving time has the potential to decrease the risk of car accidents and crime while increasing consumer spending.

I will keep you updated as to what ends up happening with the DAYLIGHT Act, although I expect it will sit in committee for the remainder of this Congress.