Senators propose bill to keep US on Daylight Saving Time during pandemic
Grand Central clock is pictured in front of the American flag amid the coronavirus pandemic in Grand Central station on April 24, 2020 in New York City. – The United States recorded 1,258 coronavirus deaths on April 24, the lowest daily toll in the country in nearly three weeks, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) (Photo by JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)
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TAMPA, Fla. (NewsNation Now) — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) have introduced a bill that would allow the United States to to stay on Daylight Saving Time through Nov. 7, 2021.
On Nov. 1 the U.S. will “fall back” one hour to return to Standard Time.
“Our government has asked a lot of the American people over the past seven months, and keeping the nation on Daylight Saving Time is just one small step we can take to help ease the burden,” Rubio said in a statement. “More daylight in the after school hours is critical to helping families and children endure this challenging school year. Studies have shown many benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time, and while I believe we should make it permanent all year around, I urge my colleagues to — at the very least — work with me to avoid changing the clocks this fall.”
Rubio and Scott have made the case for extending Daylight Saving Time, saying it will benefit the economy, reduce crime and vehicle collisions, as well as the risk for certain health issues, including childhood obesity, and help ease the mental health crisis, according to NewsNation affiliate WFLA.
“After months of staying inside amid the coronavirus pandemic, families across the nation could use a little more sunshine and time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer,” Scott added.
In 2018, the Florida legislature voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in the state, and 11 other states—Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Arkansas, Alabama, and Wyoming — have passed similar laws. In 2019, Rubio and Rep. Vern Buchanan both introduced legislation to allow the law to take effect, but lawmakers have yet to have a hearing on the bill.
Rubio is expected to “Rule 14” the bill, which means it will bypass the Senate Committee on Commerce and be placed directly on the Senate Calendar
NewsNation affiliate WFLA contributed to this report.
