They are finally working together.
In 1957, rockabilly artist Bob Ehret sang about stopping the clock to spend more time with a loved one — a sentiment that echoed in spirit during a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, where lawmakers explored the pros and cons of eliminating the time change ritual altogether.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican and committee chair, acknowledged that Daylight Saving Time (DST) originated with good intentions — namely, cutting energy use. But over time, he said, its drawbacks have become more apparent. Increased car accidents, workplace disruptions, and complaints from farmers who depend on early sunlight have led many to question the practice.
“Twice a year, Americans shift their clocks — springing forward and falling back — and while it might seem like a small annoyance, the consequences for our health, economy, and daily life are substantial,” Cruz said.
He pointed out that the original logic behind DST — more daylight equating to less electricity use — may no longer hold up in today’s economy, where the timing of daylight has a minimal effect on energy consumption.
Cruz and Dr. Karin Johnson, a Massachusetts-based neurologist, also raised health concerns. They highlighted how the biannual time shift disrupts sleep and can trigger issues with circadian rhythms, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being — especially during the spring transition, which results in lost sleep.
The committee also heard from a representative of the National Golf Course Owners Association, who emphasized the economic benefits of later sunsets, such as increased revenue from evening recreational activities like golf and tourism.
Across the aisle, Senator Lisa Blunt-Rochester of Delaware voiced support for a permanent time standard. She referenced a previous attempt by former Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to eliminate DST, which ultimately stalled in the House.
“What works for Delaware might not suit Washington state,” Blunt-Rochester noted, “but the time has come to make a decision that works for most Americans.”
Testimony during the hearing revealed that southern states like Texas and Florida may be most affected by any move to make DST permanent. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, who’s been involved in past efforts to adjust DST, joked about his long-standing advocacy on the issue having earned him the nickname “the Sun King.”
“We need to stop changing the clocks,” Blunt-Rochester reiterated. “We know it disrupts sleep and contributes to various health issues — from mood swings to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
Scott Yates, founder of the “Lock the Clock” movement, also spoke at the hearing. He reflected on a short-lived experiment during the 1970s energy crisis, when President Richard Nixon temporarily made DST permanent. The timing of that change — coming just after the holidays in January 1974 — made it especially unpopular, contributing to its swift repeal.
Yates noted the historical irony that the Watergate break-in, which played a key role in Nixon’s downfall, happened at night. Senator Cruz jokingly responded, “Maybe if there had been more daylight, the Watergate break-in wouldn’t have happened — and history would’ve taken a different path.”
