WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States Senate unanimously approved a measure on Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent throughout the country next year.
The bipartisan proposal, called the Sunlight Protection Act, would ensure that Americans would not have to change their watches twice a year. However, the bill still requires the approval of the House of Representatives and the signature of President Joe Biden to become law.
“No more changing the clock, more daylight hours so we can be outside after school and work, and more smiles, that's what we get with permanent daylight saving time,” Senator Ed Markey, the original co-sponsor of the proposal, said in a statement.
Markey was accompanied by senators from both parties as he outlined the reasons why making daylight saving time permanent would have positive effects on the health and economy of the public and even reduce energy consumption.
“Changing the schedule twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Senator Rick Scott said.
“I've said it before and I repeat it: Americans want more sunlight and less depression; people in this country, from Seattle to Miami,” want the proposal implemented, Senator Patty Murray added.
About a dozen states throughout the country have already normalized daylight saving time.