Americans are increasingly concerned about the biannual tradition of changing the clocks for daylight saving time. The U.S. has been gearing up to treat November 2 as any other Sunday, with bills to “lock the clocks” introduced, a Senate committee hearing held, and even President Donald Trump weighing in on the discussions. However, introduced bills have stalled, and no more hearings have been held. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing in April, which examined the various issues around whether the country should continue’springing forward’ and ‘falling back’ each year with time. Senator Rick Scott and Representative Vern Buchanan have introduced companion legislation in the House to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.
Some states have taken it upon themselves to enact legislation that would put them on permanent daylight saving time, but in most cases, they need Congress’s approval. Only two states observe year-round standard time, an option afforded them by Congress’ 1966 Uniform Time Act. States cannot opt for permanent daylight saving time. A House bill to give states the power to observe daylight saving time all year has been introduced and referred to committee. However, multiple other states have seen legislation introduced during their current legislative sessions to observe permanent standard time or exempt it from daylight saving time.
