The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Tuesday to make Daylight Savings Time permanent in what many say will make short winter days better with an extra added hour of sunshine in the afternoon.
“The measure still needs approval from the U.S. House of Representatives and the backing of President Joe Biden.,” Reuters reported. “On Sunday, most of the United States resumed Daylight Savings Time, moving ahead one hour. The United States will resume standard time in November 2022.”
Passed by Unanimous Consent, S.623: Sunshine Protection Act, as amended (to make Daylight Saving Time permanent) @SenRubioPress / @SenWhitehouse / others
— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) March 15, 2022
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), one of the bill’s co-sponsors, spoke to The Daily Wire about his support for the bill during a recent interview, noting that as a former football coach, the bill will help kids who participate in athletic programs after school.
“Of everything that I’ve done since I’ve been here, I’ve had more feedback, positive feedback,” Tuberville said. “I mean, everybody wants longer days. They don’t want it to turn dark at 4:30 and the kids have to come in the house, they have to put up with them longer, the kids can’t stay out and play and practices and all that.”
Shortly after the “Sunshine Protection Act” passed, Tuberville delivered remarks on the Senate floor praising the bill, which was originally sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).
“I cannot overstate how grateful I am that this bill has passed this Chamber just a few minutes ago by Unanimous Consent,” Tuberville said. “It’s especially timely given that we all had to change our clocks this past weekend, and we are now experiencing longer, sunnier days. But it would be better news if longer, sunnier days were a new norm and not cause for a temporary, seasonal celebration. Which is why I hope my colleagues in the House of Representatives pass this bill quickly.”
“Since I joined Senator Rubio in the effort to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, the phones in my office have absolutely been ringing off the hook in support of permanently adopting Daylight Saving Time,” he continued. “Moms and dads who want some more daylight before putting the kids to bed, so dinner time doesn’t feel like bedtime. Elderly people who want more sun in the evenings in order to take a walk, enjoy work in their yards. Farmers who could use the extra daylight to work in the fields – for them, it’s a better business model and adds to the bottom line.”
“But it’s not just people in the state of Alabama – Americans across the country want to make Daylight Saving Time permanent,” he added. “In fact, it is worth noting this bill has bipartisan support – evidence by the fact it passed with no objection here in the Senate mere moments ago. It is no secret how rare that is here in this Chamber.”
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