Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) took to the Senate floor today advocating for the passage of his bipartisan, bicameral Sunshine Protection Act.
The legislation aims to finally end the twice-yearly time change by establishing Daylight Saving Time (DST) as the national year-round standard, while still preserving states’ right to opt out.
Senator Scott, who signed a similar “lock the clock” bill as Governor of Florida in 2018 pending federal approval, emphasized that the time change is an “unnecessary, and completely outdated” annoyance for American families.
“Our Sunshine Protection Act… will allow states to end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time the national year-round standard,” Scott stated. He noted that the bill is sponsored by 18 of his Senate colleagues and that nearly two dozen states, including Florida, have already passed legislation expressing their preference to “lock the clock,” pending federal authorization.
A Matter of States’ Rights and Public Benefit
Scott repeatedly framed his push as a matter of states’ rights, arguing the bill allows “the people of each state to choose what best fits their needs.” For Florida, he asserted, that choice is permanent Daylight Saving Time, which provides an extra hour of evening sunlight for outdoor activities.
The Senator also highlighted several potential benefits of permanent DST, citing studies that show:
- Reduced health issues: including cardiac incidents, stroke, and seasonal depression.
- Reduced crime: specifically, a decrease in robberies.
- Economic benefits: for agriculture and the general economy.
A Call for Action
Concluding his remarks, Scott urged his colleagues to support the measure, describing it as a “common-sense change” that would “simplify and benefit the lives of Americans.”
“I ask all my colleagues to support the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act to make a common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of Americans and allow the people of each state to choose what is best for themselves and their families,” he implored. The Senator also mentioned that “President Trump [is] committed to finally LOCK THE CLOCK,” suggesting a clear path forward for the legislation.
READ: Florida Sen. Rick Scott Warns Maduro That “His Days Are Numbered” – Head To Russia Or China
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