WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator Rick Scott introduced the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, to officially “lock the clock” and end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time the national year-round standard. In 2018, as Governor of Florida, Senator Scott signed legislation which, pending federal approval, would exempt Florida from the time change practice and allow the state to remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round. Senator Scott was joined by Senators Patty Murray, Tommy Tuberville, Rand Paul, Ron Wyden, Bill Hagerty, Cynthia Lummis, Ed Markey, Sheldon Whitehouse, James Lankford, Martin Heinrich, Alex Padilla, Brian Schatz, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Tina Smith and Katie Britt. The Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act in the 117th Congress.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them. In 2018, as Governor of Florida, I signed legislation that would allow the state to opt out of the practice of changing the time and I’ve been a leading effort in getting this done on the federal level. I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of American families.”

Senator Patty Murray said, “Every year, more Americans grow more frustrated setting their clocks back and forth, and every winter folks in Washington state despair at the prospect of losing an hour of precious sunlight when we are forced off Daylight Saving Time. That growing frustration has also meant growing momentum, across the country and across the political spectrum, for the Sunshine Protection Act—which is why I am excited to reintroduce this bill today with strong bipartisan support and determined to work with anyone I can to finally get permanent Daylight Saving Time passed into federal law. This is about public health, it is about our economy, and it’s about just putting a little more light in families’ lives so they can spend time together, outdoors, in the sunshine.”

Senator Ed Markey said, “The head-spinning ritual of falling back and springing forward has a very real impact on our economy, our health, and our happiness. Let’s say goodbye to 4pm winter sunsets and pass the Sunshine Protection Act for permanent Daylight Saving Time — permanently springing forward for brighter evenings year-round.”  

Senator Martin Heinrich said, “More time for sunshine. Less time changing your clocks. The bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act is a no-brainer. Let’s get it passed this Congress.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville said, “Out of all the legislative efforts I’ve been part of in my four years in Congress, the thing I hear about the most from Alabamians is their desire to stop changing our clocks twice a year. I was proud to lead the effort to get the Sunshine Protection Act passed by unanimous consent in 2022, and look forward to working with Sen. Rick Scott to get it completely across the finish line to ‘lock the clock’ once and for all.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said, “Many Rhode Islanders look forward to that March weekend when we ‘spring forward’ and ditch the afternoon darkness of the cold winter months. I’m glad to help lead the bipartisan push to end the antiquated practice of adjusting our clocks twice a year and finally make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide.”

Senator Rand Paul said, “The Sunshine Protection Act will allow states the freedom to decide if they want to permanently follow Daylight Saving Time or not. I’m proud to support legislation to end the antiquated practice of changing clocks twice a year.”

Senator Katie Britt said, “The American people are tired of the antiquated practice of ‘falling back’ every year. Alabamians want more sunshine, and it’s better for our mental and physical health. With the Sunshine Protection Act we would make daylight savings time permanent. I appreciate Senator Rick Scott’s leadership in working to ‘lock the clock.’”

Senator James Lankford said, “Twice a year Oklahomans ask themselves—why do we still have to change our clocks? Moms of young children dread the time of year when clocks change, but babies’ schedules don’t. It is past time to get this bill to the President’s desk so we can stop the annoying twice-a-year reset of the clocks. Let’s lock the clocks.”

Senator Alex Padilla said, “Americans are sick of falling back and springing forward. More daylight after work means more business and more active, safer California communities. Californians already voted years ago to lock the clock — and it’s past time for Congress to do the same.”

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said, "Changing the clocks twice a year creates unnecessary difficulties for many people in Mississippi, especially farmers who rely on daylight to manage their crops, livestock, and daily tasks, and permanent Daylight Saving Time would give them more consistency throughout the year.  It would also help boost the economy, improve public safety, and offer important mental health benefits.  I’m proud to support the Sunshine Protection Act again and work toward ending the hassle of changing the clocks for good.”

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