Author of bipartisan law that created current DST, Markey celebrates bright, bipartisan victory

Washington (March 15, 2022) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today after the Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent.  Studies show that extending DST year-round would have positive impacts on public health, the economy, and would cut energy consumption. Senator Markey is the original sponsor of this legislation, alongside Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

“No more switching clocks, more daylight hours to spend outside after school and after work, and more smiles -- that is what we get with permanent Daylight Saving Time,” said Senator Markey. “U.S. Senate passage of the Sunshine Protection Act means brighter days ahead for Americans, all year round. We can’t always get agreement in Congress these days, but today, the bipartisan sunshine coalition shone through. Now, I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to lighten up and swiftly pass the Sunshine Protection Act.”

As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, then-Rep. Markey and Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) amended the Uniform Time Act of 1996, extending the duration of DST in the spring by changing its start date from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March, and in the fall by changing its end date from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in November. In 1985, then-Rep. Markey also partnered with Rep. Carlos Moorhead (R-Calif.) to extend DST by three weeks.

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