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Time for a change - 4th April 2022

The US Senate has agreed a new law. From next year, this will set daylight saving time (DST) as the normal US time all year.

Many countries have used DST since World War I. Clocks are set an hour forward in summer to make evenings lighter. They're moved back again, in autumn, which saves electricity.

But now, the US Senate wants to end this practice. It would like DST for the summer months to be the fixed time all year. This new law is called the Sunshine Protection Act.

Some people support this new law because of the benefits. They think children will have more opportunity to play outside. Sunlight also helps people who have depression.

Those who are against this new law think it’ll be more dangerous for children. In winter months, children will have to travel to school in the dark.

The law's now with the House of Representatives. Congresspeople must vote for it before the president can sign it.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was surprised by how quickly the Senate decided. She also supports the law. But right now, the House is focused on passing laws about the war in Ukraine.