Can Elon Musk And Vivek Ramaswamy’s DOGE End Daylight Saving Time? What We Know

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the proposed leaders of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have called for an end to the semiannual daylight saving time clock changes. Musk recently posted an online survey that showed a resounding majority of people support doing away with the biennial adjustment, calling it “annoying.” In agreement, Ramaswamy called the approach “inefficient and easy to change.”

However, any prospective modifications DOGE could try to impose are complicated by the fact that Congress is given responsibility over daylight saving time by federal law.

Legal Hurdles to Change

The Department of Transportation was tasked with enforcing daylight saving time once it was created by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Additionally, the statute gives states the option to choose not to observe daylight saving time, as Hawaii and the majority of Arizona have done. States cannot, however, continue to observe daylight saving time indefinitely without federal consent under the legislation.

Numerous proposals to change federal law and establish daylight saving time permanently have been sent to Congress. The Sunshine Protection Act, which Senator Marco Rubio presented in 2021, is the most well-known of them. Sen. Edward J. Markey, who has argued that extending daylight saving time will provide Americans extra sunlight during the gloomy winter months, is among the bipartisan supporters of the plan.

Arguments For and Against Permanent Daylight Saving

The existing arrangement, according to proponents of permanent daylight saving time, increases traffic dangers during nighttime commutes and adds to seasonal depression. They think that establishing a set time guideline might lower these hazards and enhance public safety. However, early morning darkness raises problems, especially for kids heading to school, according to critics. They also issue a warning about possible circadian rhythm disturbances.

The Sunshine Protection Act has stagnated in spite of its popularity. The law was unanimously approved by the Senate, but the House of Representatives has not yet had a chance to vote on it.

Role of DOGE and Congressional Dynamics

Whether Musk and Ramaswamy intend to utilize DOGE’s advising role to sway congressional action or seek legislative reform is yet unknown. The House Oversight Committee, led by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, will have a subcommittee within the department, which is currently in the planning stages. A DOGE House caucus will also be established, with Representatives Pete Sessions and Aaron Bean spearheading the effort to match DOGE’s recommendations with legislative votes.

As a sign of possible bipartisan support for some proposals, Rep. Jared Moskowitz declared his plan to join the DOGE caucus as the first Democrat.