Thank you for contacting me about Daylight Saving Time. As a former Navy pilot, combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut, it is an honor to continue my service to our country representing Arizona in the United States Senate. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on the issues facing our state and our country. Hearing from Arizonans helps me better serve our state, and I hope you will continue to share your perspective and suggestions.

          As you know, Daylight Saving Time (DST) refers to a period of the year when clocks are set one hour ahead of standard time. In most parts of the United States, DST starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. DST was established in 1916 during World War I so that more people have increased access to daylight which results in lowered use of electricity, fewer car accidents, and less incidents of crime. 

          In 1918, The United States established DST and standard time zones through the passage of the Calder Act, otherwise known as the Standard Time Act. In 1966, the Uniform Time Act standardized time observance and established a system of uniform DST in the United States. This law as amended also allowed states to exempt themselves from observing DST. DST is not observed in Arizona, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees the nation’s time zones and the uniform observance of DST.

          The Sunshine Protection Act, S. 623, was introduced on March 9, 2021 by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). This bill would repeal the temporary period for Standard Time and expand DST to the entire year. S. 623 was referred to and may be considered by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 

          While the observance of DST can conserve energy and improve the safety of Americans, many have raised concerns that time changes may have negative health impacts, such as sleep loss or even heart attacks. I support Arizona’s choice to exempt itself from DST and am committed to working with my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, in the United States Senate to support the wellbeing of all Arizonans.

          Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue, and I hope you will continue to contact my office with any future comments or questions. I’m committed to being transparent and accountable with all Arizonans, which is why I release my official Senate schedule at kelly.senate.gov. There you can also sign up for my newsletter, receive assistance with a federal agency and learn more about my work as Arizona’s senator.

Sincerely,

Mark Kelly
United States Senator