Washington, D.C. – President Trump is pushing for permanent daylight saving time through legislation, aiming to put an end to the biannual practice of changing clocks in the United States. The President made his thoughts known on social media, emphasizing the benefits of having more daylight at the end of the day and criticizing the inconvenience and costs associated with changing the clocks. The Sunshine Protection Act, reintroduced by Florida Republicans Rep. Vern Buchanan and Sen. Rick Scott, has been a focal point in Congress’s efforts to adopt the permanent daylight saving time.
Most states in the U.S. observe daylight saving time, excluding only Hawaii and Arizona, along with certain U.S. territories. Despite Trump’s previous support for the permanent change, he expressed a more balanced view on the topic before the recent time adjustment. The issue drew attention during a Senate hearing, with Republican Sen. Ted Cruz labeling the practice of changing clocks as outdated and harmful, citing its negative impacts on various aspects of daily life.
Senator Cruz emphasized the disruption to sleep patterns and the resulting fatigue caused by changing the clocks, highlighting concerns about productivity, mental health, and well-being. Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester echoed the sentiment that it’s time to find a resolution to the ongoing debate over daylight saving time. The medical community has also offered insights, with some experts suggesting that a permanent standard time aligns better with health and well-being compared to a permanent daylight saving time.
Experts like Dr. Karin Johnson, the medical director of the Baystate Regional Sleep Medicine Program, have advocated for a permanent standard time as a healthier alternative. Johnson emphasized the importance of aligning the standard time with natural sunlight to promote overall health and well-being. The debate over the necessity and implications of changing clocks twice a year continues to be a topic of discussion in Congress, with differing perspectives on the best path forward for the nation.