Daylight Saving Bill, Championed By Whitehouse, Passes US Senate

PROVIDENCE, RI — Two days after "springing ahead," many Americans are still working to adjust to Sunday's lost hour of sleep. On Tuesday, the country took a step forward in the fight to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.

Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has long been an avid supporter of eliminating the twice-annual clock changes, arguing that a permanent switch to Daylight Saving Time would benefit all Americans.

"Resetting the clocks may soon be a thing of the past," Whitehouse said. "This is a bipartisan bill that has received a very strong response from constituents. I’m hopeful we can get the House of Representatives on board with an extra hour of afternoon sun in the winter and send this bill to the president’s desk."

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate approved the legislation, titled the "Sunshine Protection Act," by unanimous consent.It now heads to the House of Representatives.

Whitehouse argued that the change would benefit the country's economy and public health, citing studies that show reduced productivity during Standard Time. He also said that the later sunset time in winter months would lead to energy savings.

"Spending more standard work hours in sunlight would reduce rates of seasonal depression. Americans exercise more frequently during Daylight Saving Time, reducing the risk of stroke and heart problems," the argument continued. "Research also suggests that the extra hour of afternoon sun leads to fewer car accidents and evening robberies."