April 12, 2021 - Miami, FL — Last week, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, requesting that they consider the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 (S. 623). Rubio recently reintroduced the legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the country. The bipartisan bill currently has 14 cosponsors.
 
“With the vast majority of Americans participating in DST for eight months out of the year, it is clear this antiquated practice no longer serves a purpose,” Rubio wrote. “Studies have shown the twice-a-year time change has negative impacts, and that extending DST can benefit the economy and our overall health. For these reasons, I respectfully request you consider this important bill in committee at the earliest opportunity.” 
 
The full text of the letter is below.
 
Dear Chairman Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker:
 
I respectfully request that the Senate Committee on Commerce consider and report S. 623, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, to the full Senate as soon as possible.  The bipartisan bill, which I first introduced in the 115^th Congress, would end the biannual requirement to change our clocks between Daylight Saving Time (DST) and Standard Time.  The legislation would not impact those states that currently do not observe DST, restrict states’ ability to opt out of DST, nor would it alter time zones.
 
This non-partisan issue, which affects all Americans, is not a new idea, but is one worthy of consideration by the committee.  Florida is not alone in the movement to end the unnecessary practice.  In fact, 15 states have, and more continue to consider measures which would make DST the standard time.  Both Washington and Mississippi have enacted measures to call for permanent DST.  However, as you know, their ability to implement these changes would require an amendment to the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
 
With the vast majority of Americans participating in DST for eight months out of the year, it is clear this antiquated practice no longer serves a purpose.  Studies have shown the twice-a-year time change has negative impacts, and that extending DST can benefit the economy and our overall health.  For these reasons, I respectfully request you consider this important bill in committee at the earliest opportunity. 
 
Sincerely,
Source: Senator Marco Rubio