Sunshine Protection Act sponsored by Buchanan

The benefits of making daylight saving time permanent for the nation far outweigh any disadvantages, according to Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), who recently offered legislation to make the change permanent.

“There are enormous health and economic benefits to making daylight saving time permanent,” Rep. Buchanan said, citing reduced risks for cardiac issues, stroke, seasonal depression, and childhood obesity, as well as increased economic activity.

The congressman on March 1 sponsored the Sunshine Protection Act, H.R. 1279, with 13 Republican original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL) and Nancy Mace (R-SC), to make daylight saving time permanent and end the twice-a-year clock change that takes place every November and March. Daylight saving time this year begins on March 12 and ends on Nov. 5.

“Florida lawmakers have already voted to make daylight saving time permanent in my home state,” said Rep. Buchanan, “and Congress should pass the Sunshine Protection Act to move Florida and the rest of the country to year-round daylight saving time.”

Rep. Buchanan began introducing the measure in Congress following the Florida Legislature’s 2018 enactment of year-round daylight saving time, according to his staff.

“Changing our clocks twice a year is inconvenient and entirely unnecessary,” Rep. Buchanan said. “It’s time to end this antiquated practice.”

Other benefits of enacting H.R. 1279, according to information provided by the congressman, include fewer car crashes and car accidents involving pedestrians; a 27 percent drop in robberies; less disruption to the nation’s agricultural economy; and reduced energy usage.