Austin News

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) addressed the Senate Commerce Committee today, emphasizing the need to reconsider the widespread practice of changing clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST) due to its negligible benefits and adverse effects.

During the hearing titled "If I Could Turn Back Time: Should We Lock the Clock?", Cruz argued that the twice-yearly clock adjustments bring more harm than good to American life. He noted that DST was initially implemented as a wartime strategy to save energy but asserted that modern technological advances have rendered any such savings moot. "Today, the data shows energy savings from DST are de minimis if not entirely nonexistent," Cruz stated.

Cruz emphasized the health implications of clock changes, particularly the transition in spring, which results in an hour of lost sleep. "Research has shown that the abrupt shift in time—especially the spring transition when we lose an hour of sleep—disrupt our internal circadian rhythms and cause sleep deprivation. This leads to increased risks of health problems, including higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, and even car accidents immediately following the time change," he said.

He also highlighted the economic and social impacts, noting that longer daylight hours might boost certain industries more significantly, such as retail, tourism, and entertainment. Cruz cited that late afternoon activities, like golf leagues, contribute substantially to these sectors.

Other nations and states have already begun moving away from biannual time changes. "Many states and countries like Mexico, Russia, and Turkey have already taken steps to move away from changing clocks twice a year. Hawaii and Arizona have opted out of the practice," said Cruz. He concluded the session urging Congress to take action. "Whether we lock the clock on standard time year-round or daylight saving time, let’s put our health, the economy, and well-being first and embrace a sensible approach to time management."