WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States Senate unanimously approved on Tuesday a measure to make daylight saving time permanent across the country next year.
A bipartisan proposal, called the Sunlight Protection Act, will ensure that Americans do not have to change their watches twice a year. However, the bill still requires approval from the House of Representatives and the signing of President Joe Biden to become law.
Senator Ed Marky, the original co-sponsor of the proposal, said in a statement: “You no longer change the clock, increase daylight hours so that you can be outside after your room and work and have more smiles.
Markey accompanied senators from both parties, explaining why making daylight saving time permanent has a positive impact on public health and economy and reduces energy consumption.
“Changing the schedule twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” said Senator Rick Scott.
Senator Patty Murray said, “I've said it before, and I repeat. Americans want more sunlight and less depression. From Seattle to Miami, people in the country want the proposal to take effect, he added.
About 12 states across the country have already normalized daylight saving time.