(The Slice): This year may be the last time you set your clock back or forward an hour in the U.S.
The U.S. Senate on unanimously passed the "Sunshine Protection Act" that could make daylight saving time permanent starting in 2023.
Passage of the legislation would end the practice of setting clocks twice annually from day light saving to standard time -- which causes us to gain or lose an hour of sleep. We have been accustomed to moving the clock forward in March and back in November since the sixties. Those who support an end to switching argue it promotes more sleep, will lessen the general confusion that follows time changes and increase economic activity.
Frank Pallone, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce said during their meeting last week, "The loss of that one hour of sleep seems to impact us for days afterwards. It also can cause havoc on the sleeping patterns of our kids and our pets."
Most Americans want to start their day when there is light out side. and support not changing.
Not all states will be affected by the change. Arizona and Hawaii, which do not observe daylight saving time, will remain on standard time. U.S. island territories -- American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands -- will also use standard time.
The changes will not take effect until November 2023 so that the transportation industry has time to make the adjustment.
The bill awaits passage in the U.S. Senate before going to President Joe Biden for final approval.