The History and Controversy of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.

Why does the U.S. Use Daylight Saving Time?

The U.S. has observed Daylight Saving Time on and off since 1918, when Congress established it to standardize time zones. The practice aims to maximize daylight hours during the summer months, when the sun rises earlier in the Northern Hemisphere.

When will Daylight Saving Time end this year?

Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday of November annually. This year, it will end on Sunday, Nov. 3, resulting in an extra hour of sleep. It will resume on March 9, when clocks spring forward.

Where is Daylight Saving Time observed?

Daylight Saving Time is implemented in all U.S. states except Arizona and Hawaii. Variations of Daylight Saving are also observed, or partially observed, in several other countries, including most of Europe, Mongolia, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, French Guiana, Cuba, and Haiti.

Why is Daylight Saving Time controversial?

Many legislators have attempted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, eliminating the biannual clock adjustments. Research suggests an increase in traffic accidents, heart attacks, and strokes on the days when the clocks change. 

In 2022, Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, aiming to make Daylight Saving permanent even throughout the winter months. The bill passed the Senate, but it is yet to be voted on in the House of Representatives.