Senator James Lankford Reaffirms Commitment to End Daylight Savings Time Amid Health Concerns

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
10/03/2024 21h28

In a recent interview with CNN's State of the Union, US Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma reiterated his determination to eliminate seasonal time changes, referring to it as an outdated convention that originated during the First World War. Lankford, a Republican lawmaker, expressed his support for the Sunshine Act, a bill that he co-sponsored with Senator Marco Rubio, aimed at ending daylight savings time.

The senator shared a compelling story about an encounter with a military veteran who expressed his desire to see an end to daylight savings time before he passed away. The veteran's poignant request struck a chord with Lankford and further fueled his commitment to addressing the issue.

Highlighting the widespread frustration that surrounds the time change, Lankford explained that many people find it bothersome. He emphasized the need for dialogue and called upon legislators to take action.

Drawing attention to the state of Arizona, where daylight savings time is not observed, Lankford pointed out that life continues without disruptions. He argued that other states could follow suit and eliminate the time change, debunking concerns about potential logistical difficulties.

Lankford's remarks come at a time when the impact of daylight savings time on health is being reassessed. Recent studies have shown a surge in strokes and heart attacks in the days following the time change. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has echoed these concerns, calling for an end to the seasonal time-shift due to its negative effects on circadian rhythms.

The senator's commitment to eliminating daylight savings time coincides with increased scrutiny from his own party over his failed attempts to secure bipartisan agreement on border security. This led to his censure by the Republican Party in his home county of Oklahoma. During President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, mentions of the proposed legislation were met with Republican opposition, but Lankford appeared to acknowledge the truthfulness of the bill's potential impact.

As the debate around daylight savings time continues to gain traction, Lankford's unwavering commitment signals a renewed push to address the concerns associated with the practice. With mounting evidence of its negative effects on health and well-being, the conversation around abolishing seasonal time changes is likely to persist.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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