'Lock the clock': Sen. Rubio makes another bid to make daylight saving time permanent
United States Senator Marco Rubio is making another push to get rid of changing the nation's clocks twice a year − a task residents of almost every state in the country do.
"It's time to lock the clock," the Florida Republican congressman's office posted in a news release Monday.
Rubio released a statement in support of making daylight saving time permanent just days ahead of the twice-annual switch from daylight saving time to standard time, which happens Sunday.
The senator suggested the nation "stop enduring the ridiculous and antiquated practice of switching our clocks back and forth. Let’s finally pass my Sunshine Protection Act and end the need to ‘fall back’ and ‘spring forward’ for good."
Paste BN has reached out to Rubio's office for more information about his efforts.
Rubio's return push to stop changing clocks
This is not the first time Rubio has pushed to make daylight saving time stick.
In March 2023, Rubio reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act for the 118th Congress to try put a nationwide end to the routine practice of changing clocks twice a year.
Although there is proposed legislation, no real change has taken place because the federal government doesn't allow it – yet. The Sunshine Protect Act passed the Senate in 2022, but hasn't made progress in the House of Representatives despite being introduced during multiple legislative sessions.
When does Daylight Savings Time start?
Daylight saving time began in 2024 on Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks moved forward an hour, part of the twice-annual time change.
The current time change is set to end on Nov. 3 at 2 a.m. for most, but not all Americans. Clocks will "fall back" an hour in order to allow for more daylight in the mornings. Some states do not observe the change.
What states do not observe the time change?
Arizona and Hawaii do not observe the time change.
The reasons why vary, Paste BN previously reported, as some have opted out due to factors related to respective environment or geography.
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Emily DeLetter and Amaris Encinas
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.