Gus M. Bilirakis
Representative for Florida · Republican · United States
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that will save lives by ensuring continued access to stem cell, bone marrow, and cord blood transplants for patients across our Nation.”
“I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together to advance this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, Representative Smith of New Jersey has done an outstanding job over the years. He has done a great job leading this particular bill. He works on bills, Mr.”
“For far too long, medically retired servicemembers wounded in combat have been forced to forfeit a portion of the retirement pay they earned simply because they also receive VA disability compensation, and that is wrong. That is the so-called wounded veteran tax, and it is fundamentally unjust.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership and thank him for this great package that will support our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. First and foremost, this legislation delivers long-overdue justice by including key provisions of my Major Richard Star Act.”
“I appreciate it so very much, and I thank the chairman for his leadership. It enhances mental health services, expands care in rural communities, improves transition assistance for servicemembers entering civilian life, and modernizes VA facilities to better serve future generations. The SPEAKER pro tempore.”
“Most importantly, this bill honors the legacy of Major Richard Star, who fought tirelessly to correct this injustice before his passing. His determination has brought us to this moment, and today, we have the opportunity to continue that fight on behalf of thousands of deserving veterans.”
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“I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together to advance this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, Representative Smith of New Jersey has done an outstanding job over the years. He has done a great job leading this particular bill. He works on bills, Mr. Speaker, that positively directly affect our constituents. We appreciate him and the great chairman and, of course, Ranking Member Pallone. I urge my colleagues to pass this good piece of legislation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that will save lives by ensuring continued access to stem cell, bone marrow, and cord blood transplants for patients across our Nation. Every year, thousands of Americans battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other blood disorders rely on the C.W. Bill Young program to help find a compatible donor. For many patients, that match is their only chance at survival, Mr. Speaker. This legislation reauthorizes the program, modernizes the National Cord Blood Inventory, and strengthens our Nation's transplant system to help ensure patients continue to have access to these lifesaving transplants.”
“Most importantly, this bill honors the legacy of Major Richard Star, who fought tirelessly to correct this injustice before his passing. His determination has brought us to this moment, and today, we have the opportunity to continue that fight on behalf of thousands of deserving veterans.”
“I appreciate it so very much, and I thank the chairman for his leadership. It enhances mental health services, expands care in rural communities, improves transition assistance for servicemembers entering civilian life, and modernizes VA facilities to better serve future generations. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.”
“For far too long, medically retired servicemembers wounded in combat have been forced to forfeit a portion of the retirement pay they earned simply because they also receive VA disability compensation, and that is wrong. That is the so-called wounded veteran tax, and it is fundamentally unjust. These men and women sacrificed their health in defense of our Nation. They earned both benefits, and they deserve to receive both. This legislation also strengthens veterans' access to healthcare by expanding choice, improves the VA claims and appeals process, and increases support for catastrophically disabled veterans, caregivers, and surviving spouses. Republicans have been working on these issues for many years, Mr. Speaker, and it looks like it is going to come to fruition.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership and thank him for this great package that will support our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. First and foremost, this legislation delivers long-overdue justice by including key provisions of my Major Richard Star Act. I promised Richard Star that we would get this done, and we are in the process of doing it, again, on behalf of our true American heroes, which I remain committed to achieving full concurrent receipt. Anything that is not included in this bill, we are going to pursue for the benefit of our veterans. This package takes a major step forward by providing immediate relief to nearly 60,000 combat-injured veterans, Mr. Speaker.”
“Speaker, I urge a strong, very strong vote in favor of this bill. I will tell you that it is very, very important that we get this done as soon as possible. In closing, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 139, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Williams of Texas). All time for debate has expired. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the previous question is ordered on the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill. The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on passage of the bill. The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I just want to read off some of the 19 States that proactively passed laws to lock the clock: The great State of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Idaho, Louisiana, South Carolina, Utah, Wyoming, Delaware, Maine, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and of course, the great State of Florida, so it is not a Florida conspiracy. Mr. Speaker, we want to give people an opportunity to go out in the sunshine, an extra hour a day. I am thinking, first of all, safety for our seniors, but also for our children. Our children are on these devices constantly, unfortunately. They should be given an opportunity to go out, and they should be encouraged to go out and play ball or whatever they would like to do with their friends. Mr.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie), our good chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who led this through the committee. We appreciate him so very much.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to add that the substance of this bill was heard in the Energy and Commerce Committee recently and placed into the surface transportation bill. It does have bipartisan support. Also, if you want your standard time under this bill, you can keep your standard time. Mr. Speaker, 19 States, again, have passed legislation for permanent daylight saving time. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), my good friend.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan), the original sponsor of the bill here in the House of Representatives and my good friend. I thank the gentleman for his persistency all these years, along with the former Senator Rubio, who is now our Secretary of State. This has always been a priority for both of them.”
“Again, the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. Pallone, I know strongly supports this bill, and he will have time to say that. It is about recognizing, Mr. Speaker, that our laws should keep pace with the needs of the people who we represent. Today, we have an opportunity to take a meaningful step toward delivering something Americans have been asking for: consistency, convenience, and a better way to manage their time. The American people are long past ready to ditch the switch. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this critical piece of legislation and sending it over to the Senate, and I know the President will sign it. I know he is a strong backer, and I appreciate his support again. Finally, Congress needs to bring an end to the twice-yearly clock change. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
“In a State like Florida, my home State of Florida, where tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, having more predictable daylight hours is a practical improvement that benefits workers, businesses, and visitors alike. This legislation is also about listening to the American people. Year after year, Mr. Speaker, polls show strong support for ending the outdated clock change. Families do not want another disruption to their routines. Businesses do not want unnecessary uncertainty. Americans want a commonsense solution. That is exactly what this bill provides, and I have spoken to thousands of constituents on this particular bill, Mr. Speaker, and they agree. They want permanent daylight saving time. I am proud that this effort has received bipartisan support because this is not about politics. It is about practicality.”
“After years of study and discussion, it is clear that Americans value consistency and certainty. Establishing permanent daylight saving time would provide families with more usable daylight hours in the evening, giving people additional opportunities to spend time outdoors, support local businesses, participate in community activities, and enjoy the quality of life that makes our communities so special. Mr. Speaker, I will add this: This is great for our kids. I want, and I know most parents want, kids to be outdoors now more than ever. The physical activity means so very much. For small businesses, particularly those in tourism, hospitality, and recreation, as I said, additional evening daylight can help drive economic activity and create more opportunities to serve customers.”
“I know it is very important that we pass this bill. In Florida, Mr. Speaker, this issue is especially important. Our State is home to families, retirees, small businesses, and industries that depend on predictable schedules and the ability to make the most of every single day. Floridians have made it clear that they are ready to ditch the switch. Mr. Speaker, I thank the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, for his strong support of this bill. Changing the clocks twice a year creates unnecessary disruption. I know you agree, Mr. Speaker. It affects sleep patterns, impacts family routines, creates confusion for businesses, and requires everyone--from parents and students to employers and employees and even our pets--to adjust their schedules for no meaningful benefit.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Sunshine Protection Act. This important legislation will finally end the outdated practice of changing our clocks twice a year and establish permanent daylight saving time. For decades, Mr. Speaker, Americans have been asking a simple question: Why are we forcing families, businesses, and communities to adjust their schedules every spring and fall? The twice-yearly clock change is a relic of the past that no longer reflects the way Americans live, work, and conduct business in the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan), the lead sponsor and my good friend, for working so hard on this legislation for quite a few years. It is finally coming to fruition.”
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 139. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida? There was no objection. {time} 1600”
“The online version has been corrected to read: The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill shall be debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) each will control 30 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis). ========================= END NOTE ========================= General Leave”
“260a),'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (b),''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill shall be debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) each will control 30 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis). =========================== NOTE =========================== On July 14, 2026, page H4446, in the first column, the following appeared: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.”
“260a(a)), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, pursuant to such section, or an area of a State that has exempted such area from such provisions pursuant to such section, shall be, as such State considers appropriate-- ``(1) the standard time for such State or area, as the case may be, pursuant to subsection (a) of this section; or ``(2) the standard time for such State or area, as the case may be, pursuant to subsection (a) of this section as it was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025.''. (3) Conforming amendment.--Such section is further amended, in the second sentence of subsection (a), by striking ``Except as provided in section 3(a) of the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C.”
“(2) State exemption.--Such section is further amended by-- (A) redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and (B) inserting after subsection (a) the following: ``(b) Standard Time for Certain States and Areas.--The standard time for a State that has exempted itself from the provisions of section 3(a) of the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C.”
“(b) Advancement of Standard Time.-- (1) In general.--The second sentence of subsection (a) of section 1 of the Act of March 19, 1918 (commonly known as the ``Calder Act'') (15 U.S.C. 261), is amended-- (A) by striking ``4 hours'' and inserting ``3 hours''; (B) by striking ``5 hours'' and inserting ``4 hours''; (C) by striking ``6 hours'' and inserting ``5 hours''; (D) by striking ``7 hours'' and inserting ``6 hours''; (E) by striking ``8 hours'' and inserting ``by 7 hours''; (F) by striking ``9 hours'' and inserting ``8 hours''; [[Page H4446]] (G) by striking ``10 hours;'' and inserting ``9 hours;''; (H) by striking ``11 hours'' and inserting ``10 hours''; and (I) by striking ``10 hours.'' and inserting ``11 hours.''.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, I call up the bill (H.R. 139) to make daylight savings time permanent, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the bill is considered read. The text of the bill is as follows: ========================= END NOTE ========================= H.R. 139 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Sunshine Protection Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. MAKING DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME PERMANENT. (a) Repeal of Temporary Period for Daylight Savings Time.-- Section 3 of the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 260a) is hereby repealed.”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 139) to make daylight savings time permanent, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: The online version has been corrected to read:”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, I call up the bill (H.R. 139) to make daylight savings time permanent, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the bill is considered read. The text of the bill is as follows: =========================== NOTE =========================== On July 14, 2026, page H4445, in the third column, the following appeared:”
“WATSON COLEMAN, Mses. MOORE of Wisconsin, ANSARI, and Messrs. TONKO, BARR, GROTHMAN, and LAWLER changed their vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.'' Ms. UNDERWOOD and Mr. VARGAS changed their vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.'' So the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“Gooden Gottheimer Graves Gray Green, Al (TX) Griffith Guest Guthrie Hamadeh (AZ) Harder (CA) Haridopolos Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hinson Houchin Houlahan Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) Jacobs Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Kennedy (UT) Khanna Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood LaLota Landsman Langworthy Latimer Latta Lee (FL) Letlow Levin Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Lynch Mackenzie Magaziner Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mannion Massie Mast Matsui McBath McBride McCaul McClain McClain Delaney McClintock McCormick McDowell McGovern McGuire McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Messmer Meuser Mfume Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Mills Min Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (WV) Moran Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Murphy Neal Nehls Norman Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Olszewski Onder Owens Pallone Palmer Panetta Patronis Pelosi Perez Perry Peters Pettersen Pfluger Pingree Pou Randall Reschenthaler Rivas Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Ruiz Rulli Rutherford Ryan Salazar Sanchez Scalise Schakowsky Schmidt Schneider Scholten Schrier Schweikert [[Page H4451]] Scott, Austin Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simon Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smucker Soto Spartz Stansbury Stauber Steube Strickland Strong Stutzman Subramanyam Suozzi Taylor Tenney Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Torres (CA) Trahan Tran Underwood Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Vargas Vasquez Wagner Walberg Waters Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Whitesides Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Yakym NAYS--117 Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barr Barragan Beyer Biggs (AZ) Bonamici Bynum Casar Case Castor (FL) Chu Clarke (NY) Clyburn Courtney Crawford Crow Davids (KS) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro Deluzio DeSaulnier Doggett Escobar Espaillat Foushee Frankel, Lois Frost Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Gomez Goodlander Gosar Grijalva Grothman Hageman Harrigan Harris (MD) Hayes Hill (AR) Himes Horsford Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Ivey Jackson (IL) Jayapal Jeffries Kamlager-Dove Kean Krishnamoorthi Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Lawler Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Liccardo Lieu Lofgren McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey Meng Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Nadler Neguse Newhouse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Omar Pappas Pocan Pressley Quigley Ramirez Raskin Riley (NY) Ross Roy Salinas Scanlon Scott (VA) Self Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Sorensen Stanton Stefanik Steil Stevens Sykes Takano Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (NY) Turner (OH) Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Watson Coleman Westerman Williams (GA) Womack Zinke NOT VOTING--6 Dexter Fields James Leger Fernandez Mace Miller-Meeks {time} 1717 Mrs.”
“238] YEAS--308 Adams Aderholt Aguilar Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Beatty Begich Bell Bentz Bera Bergman Bice Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Bishop Boebert Bost Boyle (PA) Brecheen Bresnahan Brown Brownley Buchanan Budzinski Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carbajal Carey Carson Carter (GA) Carter (LA) Carter (TX) Casten Castro (TX) Ciscomani Cisneros Clark (MA) Cleaver Cline Cloud Clyde Cohen Cole Collins Comer Conaway Correa Costa Craig Crane Crank Crenshaw Crockett Cuellar Davidson Davis (IL) Davis (NC) De La Cruz DelBene DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Dingell Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Elfreth Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Evans (PA) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Figures Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foxx Franklin, Scott Friedman Fry Fulcher Fuller Gallagher Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Gill (TX) Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Goldman (TX) Gonzalez, V.”
“The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on passage of the bill. The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, this 15- minute vote on passage of the bill will be followed by 5-minute votes on: The motion to recommit on H.R. 1181; and Passage of H.R. 1181, if ordered. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 308, nays 117, not voting 6, as follows: [Roll No.”
“I am thinking, first of all, safety for our seniors, but also for our children. Our children are on these devices constantly, unfortunately. They should be given an opportunity to go out, and they should be encouraged to go out and play ball or whatever they would like to do with their friends. Mr. Speaker, I urge a strong, very strong vote in favor of this bill. I will tell you that it is very, very important that we get this done as soon as possible. In closing, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 139, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Williams of Texas). All time for debate has expired. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the previous question is ordered on the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill.”
“I am going to stand with the 56 percent of Americans in a recent poll who prefer a shift to permanent daylight savings time to give families more sunlight in the evening hours. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I just want to read off some of the 19 States that proactively passed laws to lock the clock: The great State of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Idaho, Louisiana, South Carolina, Utah, Wyoming, Delaware, Maine, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and of course, the great State of Florida, so it is not a Florida conspiracy. Mr. Speaker, we want to give people an opportunity to go out in the sunshine, an extra hour a day.”
“Studies have shown increases, as I mentioned before, in heart attacks and strokes, mood and sleep disturbances, and hospital admissions in the days after a time change. Studies have also shown that increases in stroke rates with the time change are even higher for some of our most vulnerable populations, and that includes seniors, for example. The bottom line is, Americans' safety is put at greater risk in the days after a time change, and disrupting our sleep has been shown to lead to higher rates of fatal motor vehicle crashes, crimes like robbery and workplace injuries. Whether or not you agree what should be permanent, the bottom line is that sticking to the status quo and continuing to change our clocks is really the worst option.”
“Buchanan) for working hard on this bill. I believe it is the right time to do it, so I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act, and I believe it will be good for the American people. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to really stress, again, why I think that the status quo is bad. I mean, obviously, some people here--I think a majority--would like to see a permanent daylight savings time and some who I think are in the minority would like to see a permanent standard time. However, the bottom line is we just can't continue the status quo, Mr. Speaker, because the science and research really is clear. It shows that springing forward and falling back twice a year is harmful to our health. It makes Americans less safe, and it is very unpopular.”
“They changed it in the middle of winter. It created all kinds of disturbance. What we have done with this bill is let people know ahead of time, you are not going to have to change your clock. We have General Assemblies that can lock in which time they want. We all know that Arizona and Hawaii stay on standard time. They will stay on standard time if their General Assembly so chooses. Any other State has the opportunity, whether they are in session or not. There is always a provision. I know in Kentucky they are not in session, but there is a provision that if Kentucky wants to stay on standard time, the Governor can call them into session and do so. I don't think they are going to do that. We have given States flexibility, but we have given our country consistency. I really appreciate the gentleman from Florida (Mr.”
“Speaker, through you, that a very famous resident of Florida mentioned this to me in the Oval Office a few weeks ago, so I know there is strong support. It is actually called the Sunshine Protection Act, and the reason is people like the longer daylight hours. They like daylight even in the wintertime. I live on the very eastern end of central time. My district is split almost down the middle. I represent people who are on the very western end of eastern time, and I live on the very eastern end of central time. It does get dark at approximately 4:30 in the afternoon where I live. People want more time, and they want more daylight. The thing is that they just don't want to have to change their clocks. As my friend from New Jersey talked about, in 1974, we did vote to change. It was because of the energy crisis going on when I was a kid.”
“Again, it is the time change that really is the problem. Most of us, whether you are for permanent daylight savings time or permanent standard time, don't want to see the switching back and forth. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and, again, I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie), our good chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who led this through the committee. We appreciate him so very much. Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my friend from Florida yielding. It is fun today because I have my friend from Florida controlling time. I [[Page H4450]] have another friend from Florida (Mr. Soto) speaking for the bill, and we have the sponsor from Florida. I will say also to the American people, Mr.”
“First of all, in the 1970s, when that was the case, things have changed in the sense that schools have pushed start times later in many districts, including in my district and dramatically fewer kids walk to school. Also, remote and hybrid work has had significant impact on Americans' commuting patterns. Things are not the same today as they were in the 1970s in terms of what people did and how they worked and how they went to school. Passing this bill now also in the peak summer months gives everyone-- and that is schools, workplaces, transit systems--time to plan for this change well in advance of the darkest winter months, and I think that is important also. I am also confident that we are setting ourselves up to succeed this time around so Americans can reap the benefits of eliminating the time change.”
“For us to address this with fear rather than knowing that the American people want this is the issue about what drives me to be here. It is big in Texas because we spend a lot of time outside. I want to reiterate to the American people: We are listening. It is something we have taken up for a long time. Finally, Vern Buchanan and the Energy and Commerce Committee have brought this bill to us. I am very pleased to say I will be an ``aye'' vote. I hope that my colleagues will be the same. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I just want to address the issue that was mentioned that in 1974 Congress voted to move to permanent daylight savings time and then reversed that decision. I think that 50 years later, things are different.”
“I couldn't exactly say it because I didn't want to say it wrong, but ``spring forward, fall back'' is a commonsense opportunity that every single person knows and understands because as we now have enjoyed our spring forward, if we pass this, we do not have to change it to fall back, to fall back to darkness, to fall back to change. Lastly, it impacts my staff greatly and anyone on Capitol Hill because we are very acutely aware that when we get off work, like hundreds of millions of Americans, they go home in the dark. It means that people go into parking lots in the dark. It means that people go and perhaps walk home or drive in the dark at a time when it would be a safety factor. There are, of course, those who do not want this. That really does not bother me.”
“It is no wonder that spring forward, fall back is something that the American people are asking Congress to please standardize and give them more light and opportunity. Spring forward, fall back is an opportunity for the American people to have more time in the light of day to not only live their lives but to accomplish those things, rather than being in the dark. {time} 1630 Mr. Speaker, I will tell you that what this does is it makes it standard across the country, and it does. I think that puts us all with the same opportunity, and that is what the American people want.”
“Spring forward is always seen by the American people--and if you serve for Roger Williams and the Republican congressional baseball team--as an opportunity for you to be able to see for the first time in the light what the day is going to look like to catch a fly ball. The bottom line to this whole thing is spring forward, fall back is something that impacts every single American. It impacts people when they go to work. It impacts people as they try to find time to play with their children at night--just a little bit extra time. It helps people who have retinal or eye issues to be able to see more clearly for longer from the time they get up until the time they work their way home, perhaps after work.”
“Also, if you want your standard time under this bill, you can keep your standard time. Mr. Speaker, 19 States, again, have passed legislation for permanent daylight saving time. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), my good friend. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Bilirakis and the Energy and Commerce Committee for bringing this bill forward. My dear friend, the gentleman from Florida, Vern Buchanan, years ago began this process, understanding that it was more than just an issue that Congress would deal with. It is also an issue that is called spring forward, fall back. You fall back as we get to October, and that means you lose the time, the light that you had all this time.”
“In 1974, children died as a result of a permanent daylight saving time attempt or trial when they were trying to go to school in the dark for hours. In 1974, this was revoked. More than that, we aren't voting on bills right now that would reduce the sky-high costs of food, fuel, and healthcare or address the President's war in Iran. Instead, we are considering a bill that was deadly and dangerous in the past, in the seventies, that we learned from. I hope we don't have to learn that lesson again. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to add that the substance of this bill was heard in the Energy and Commerce Committee recently and placed into the surface transportation bill. It does have bipartisan support.”
“Early morning light is an important environmental cue to set our bodies' internal clocks and promote alertness, and dim evening light tells our bodies that it is time to sleep. We function best, scientists tell us, on a physical, mental, and social level when our bodies, the Sun, and the clock on the wall are all aligned. Kids perform better at school. Workers are more alert. That is why we observe standard time in the winter months and why we should at least consider observing it year-round. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, National Sleep Foundation, and dozens of other societies tell us that if we stop the clock, permanent standard time is a healthier choice-- permanent standard time. That is not the debate before us. We have been here before.”
“This bill, sadly, is being rushed to the floor as a political bargaining chip without thorough consideration of the impacts, and we have been here before. Permanent time is a national decision with implications for every aspect of our health and economy. It deserves a robust, thoughtful debate and an amendment process that allows Members to test each provision of the bill. For example, we should be able to test the provision that eliminates a State's right to opt out of daylight saving time or the decision to ``stop the clock'' on daylight saving time in the first place. I hear broad agreement in this Chamber and beyond that the twice- yearly time changes have acute health consequences, but I want to talk about the chronic long-term impacts of this bill's late winter sunrise.”
“Small businesses, restaurants, and communities benefit when Americans have more usable daylight in the evening. Today, we have an opportunity to finally fix it. [[Page H4449]] Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow Floridian, Congressman Vern Buchanan, for his leadership on H.R. 139 and for his years of work on this issue. Mr. Speaker, it is time to lock the clock. It is time to make daylight saving time permanent. It is time for Congress to finally pass the Sunshine Protection Act. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean). Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Pallone for this opportunity to talk about the Sunshine Protection Act. I rise in opposition to the bill and the danger it poses to our health and safety.”
“Americans should never again have to participate in this outdated ritual of turning the clocks back and forth, as we can end the disruption that comes every spring and every fall when the Federal Government tells hundreds of millions of Americans to change their clocks. Mr. Speaker, 19 States have already acted to support year-round daylight saving time once Congress allows them to do so. Florida has been waiting since 2018. Why should we make the change? The consensus that day at the barbershop was clear for Americans. It is unhealthy and difficult on families with young children. Kids should have more daylight after school to play sports and be outside. Floridians should have more time to enjoy our beaches, our parks, and the outdoors.”
“In 2018, the Florida Legislature passed the Sunshine Protection Act, and Governor Rick Scott signed it into law. There was a catch. Florida could not actually implement the law until Congress acted. The bill's success at the State level led to Congressman Vern Buchanan introducing the Federal version of the Sunshine Protection Act and introducing it year after year, never relenting in pushing for its passage. The Senate even passed the legislation unanimously in 2022, yet the House never gave it a vote. When I came to Congress in 2019, I continued to fight to make permanent daylight saving time a reality. Today, Mr. Speaker, after nearly a decade of many people working on this issue, we finally have this opportunity.”
“Nobody is able to enjoy activities in the evening. The list went on and on. The question was: Why are we still changing the clocks? As a State senator in Florida at the time, everyone looked at me and asked if we could do something about it, so we did. That one conversation led to me introducing a bill in the Florida State Senate also called the Sunshine Protection Act. I didn't know that my friend Mr. Soto had filed it before then, so I was happy to carry on the tradition. The idea was pretty simple. Florida is the Sunshine State. We should not be forced to change our clocks twice a year and lose an hour of usable daylight in the evening simply because of outdated Federal law. That legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in Tallahassee.”
“For agriculture, ending a twice-yearly change means fewer disruptions to the schedule that livestock and labor already depend on. H.R. 139 offers a simple, permanent fix: no more clock changes, more usable evening daylight, and a system that works better for working families, rural communities, and American agriculture. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Steube), a fellow Florida Gator. Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act. For me, this vote has been nearly a decade in the making. In 2018, at the Braden River Barber Shop shortly after we turned back the clocks to standard time, everyone was complaining about the change. Kids are not waking up on time. Everyone is tired. There is a rise in health-related issues.”