Bilirakis Celebrates House Passage of Sunshine Protection Act to 'Lock the Clock'

Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, managed debate on the House Floor for H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act, which passed with bipartisan support. The legislation would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent nationwide, while allowing states that have previously exempted themselves from observing Daylight Saving Time to remain on permanent standard time. For years, Americans have voiced frustration over the twice-yearly clock changes, and earlier this Congress the House Energy and Commerce Committee examined the issue during a hearing that highlighted the many benefits of permanent Daylight Saving Time. Witnesses testified that adopting permanent DST could improve motor vehicle safety, lead to better health outcomes, and provide more usable daylight in the evening, allowing Americans more time to exercise outdoors, safely pick up children from school, spend time with family, and support local businesses.

"For years, Floridians have made it clear that they are tired of the outdated and unnecessary practice of changing the clocks twice a year," said Congressman Bilirakis. "The biannual time change disrupts daily routines, inconveniences families and businesses, and no longer reflects the needs of our modern economy. Establishing Permanent Daylight Saving Time will provide Americans with greater consistency, more usable daylight in the evening, and the certainty that comes with ending the twice-yearly clock changes. Americans are ready to ditch the switch, and today we took an important step toward making that long-overdue goal a reality."

Bilirakis has long championed efforts to end the twice-yearly time change and has worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance a permanent solution. As the House manager for the Sunshine Protection Act, he guided the legislation through House debate, helping secure its passage in the House of Representatives. The Sunshine Protection Act now advances to the Senate for final consideration.