Rep. Greg Steube Files Discharge Petition for the Sunshine Protection Act to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) filed a discharge petition for H.R.1279, the Sunshine Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would make daylight saving time (DST) permanent nationwide, ending the outdated and disruptive practice of changing clocks twice a year. This bill was originally introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) and led in the Senate by Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
“Americans should never again face the outdated ritual of turning back the clocks to standard time,” said Steube. “As a strong advocate for permanent Daylight Saving Time, I’ve led efforts in the Florida legislature to keep our extra sunshine year-round. In Congress, I’m pleased to co-sponsor the Sunshine Protection Act, and I remain committed to making this common-sense change for the benefit of all Americans. It’s time to make permanent Daylight Saving Time a reality. I hope the majority of my colleagues will agree, and sign the Discharge Petition.”
The Sunshine Protection Act has garnered bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. However, it has stalled without a vote, prompting Rep. Steube to file a discharge petition—a parliamentary tool that allows 218 Members to force a vote on the legislation despite leadership or committee delays.
Extensive research supports the benefits of year-round DST, including:
- Increased Public Safety: Studies show reduced car crashes, fewer pedestrian injuries, and an 8–11% decrease in wildlife collisions by better aligning daylight with traffic patterns.
- Improved Health: Lower rates of cardiac issues, strokes, and seasonal depression.
- Economic Benefits: A JP Morgan Chase study found a 2.2–4.9% decline in economic activity when clocks “fall back.”
- Reduced Crime: Robberies decrease by 27% due to more daylight during evening hours.
- Healthier Lifestyles: Extended daylight boosts physical activity, particularly among children.
- Support for Farmers: Minimizes disruptions to agricultural schedules and supply chains.
- Energy Savings: The U.S. Department of Energy reported a small but significant reduction in daily electricity use during DST extensions.
“This is an opportunity for Congress to deliver on an overwhelmingly popular and bipartisan issue,” added Rep. Steube. “Locking the clock is not just common sense—it’s a win for public health, safety, and our economy.”
By filing this discharge petition, Rep. Steube is urging his colleagues to join the effort to modernize outdated practices and bring the Sunshine Protection Act to the House floor for a vote. With enough signatures, the bill could move forward and secure permanent DST for all Americans.
