US changes time

Fixing time - 4th April, 2022

The US Senate has passed a bill to change US time. Starting from next year, it wants daylight saving time (DST) to stay in place for the entire year.

DST has been a feature in many countries, including the US, since World War I. Clocks are usually set an hour forward in the summer months to provide more daylight in the evenings. In autumn, they’re set back to keep mornings brighter, which is thought to save electricity.

However, the US Senate voted for a bill to end this practice. It agreed to keep the summer setting for the entire year. This new law, which is called the Sunshine Protection Act, was proposed by Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio. The Senate vote took place just days after the annual 'spring forward' time change which sees the country switch to DST.

People who support this law argue that DST increases the time children can spend outside. They also claim it will reduce the seasonal increase in depression. However, those who oppose the change worry that it puts children's safety at risk. They'll have to make the journey to school in the dark during autumn and winter.

The decision now moves to the House of Representatives. A majority must approve the change before President Joe Biden can sign it into law. The White House hasn't shared its thoughts on the law.

The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, who expressed surprise at how fast the Senate decided, is in favour of the change. However at present, the situation in Ukraine has the House’s full attention.