Mississippi among states ready to lock the clock

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Mississippi is among 19 states ready to lock the clock on daylight savings time.

The Sunshine Protection Act was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives by Florida Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan. The act was included in a larger transportation funding package under consideration by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. According to multiple sources, the package received a roll call vote of 48 yeas and 1 nay to head to the full House.

Should the bill pass, the Magnolia State has already passed legislation to keep the clocks permanent and not “fall back” this November. Mississippi is among 19 states prepared to follow through if Congress passes the legislation.

President Donald Trump has touted the legislation as an easy win for Republicans. On Trump’s Truth Social account he stated the following:

“It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock,’ not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice yearly production,” he wrote. “It will also be a very nice WIN for the Republican Party. Take it! We are going with the far more popular alternative, Saving Daylight, which gives you a longer, brighter Day — And who can be against that — This is an easy one!”

The other states ready for the permanent clock change include Florida, Maine, Texas, Delaware, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Many health and sleep experts argue that the permanent time change is good for regulation and be less disruptive than the twice a year change.

According to The Hill’s author Addy Bink, “Under permanent daylight saving time, summer and fall would feel exactly as they do now. It’s the sunrises and sunsets from November through February that would be noticeably different.

Winter sunsets in much of the U.S. would happen after 5 p.m., a huge improvement for those who experience sunsets in the 4 o’clock hour during those months. Sunrises, though, would largely happen after 8 a.m. — and in some areas, after 9 a.m.

Based on the actions Congress takes this month, it will be determined if the clocks spring forward or fall back each year.