The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, moving the long-running debate over clock changes to the Senate.
The bill, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, passed the House by a vote of 308-117 on Tuesday. If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the measure would eliminate the twice-yearly clock adjustment and keep the country on the current daylight saving schedule throughout the year.
Under the proposal, states would have the option to exempt themselves before the law takes effect.
Trump Supports Ending Seasonal Clock Changes
President Donald Trump has publicly supported making daylight saving time permanent, arguing that the current system creates unnecessary disruptions for Americans and businesses.
Trump has encouraged lawmakers to pass the legislation, saying a permanent schedule would eliminate the need for millions of people to adjust their clocks every spring and fall.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., and now moves to the Senate, where previous attempts to pass similar legislation have faced obstacles.
Senate Approval Remains Uncertain
Although the House vote showed strong support, the bill’s future in the Senate remains unclear.
A previous version of the Sunshine Protection Act passed the Senate in 2022 through unanimous consent but failed to move forward in the House. Another attempt stalled after Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., raised objections to advancing the measure without further debate.
Cotton and other critics argue that permanent daylight saving time could create problems in some regions, particularly during winter months when sunrise could occur significantly later.
Opponents say darker mornings could affect school schedules, workplace safety and commuters who travel before sunrise.
Supporters Point to Health and Economic Benefits
Supporters of the legislation argue that ending clock changes could reduce disruptions to sleep patterns, improve quality of life and provide economic benefits.
Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., said the time changes can negatively affect people’s health and cited concerns related to sleep disruption and mental well-being.
Other lawmakers have argued that businesses and families would benefit from having a consistent schedule throughout the year.
Americans Divided Over How to Change the System
Public opinion shows broad frustration with changing clocks twice annually, but Americans remain divided over whether the country should permanently adopt daylight saving time or standard time.
Several states have considered ending seasonal clock changes, and many have already passed measures supporting permanent daylight saving time if Congress authorizes the change.
Currently, most of the United States follows daylight saving time from March through November. Arizona and Hawaii, along with several U.S. territories, do not participate in the practice.
A Century-Long Debate Over Time Changes
Daylight saving time was first introduced in the United States as a temporary wartime measure during World War I and World War II before becoming standardized nationwide under the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
Previous efforts to expand daylight saving time permanently have produced mixed results. A two-year permanent daylight saving experiment during the 1970s energy crisis was reversed after public complaints about dark winter mornings.
The latest congressional effort will now depend on whether Senate leaders can build enough support to send the bill to President Trump’s desk.
