The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the United States, thereby ending the practice of changing clocks twice a year. The vote was 308-117.
Supporters of the legislation argue that making DST permanent would provide greater consistency, disrupt routines less, and offer more daylight in the evenings, benefiting families and boosting tourism and outdoor recreation. "Let's stop asking Americans to reset their clocks every March and November," said Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., a proponent of the bill. "Let's provide some certainty and consistency, and a little more sunshine at the end of the day."
However, the bill has divided lawmakers. Members from coastal states largely supported the measure, while those from Midwest and agriculture-heavy regions expressed concerns. Opposition often centered on the potential for darker winter mornings, with some lawmakers arguing that permanent standard time better aligns with circadian rhythms and public health. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., who favors permanent standard time, stated during debate, "If we’re going to make a permanent change that affects every American, we should follow the science and prioritize Americans’ health, particularly that of the children."
Concerns also include safety issues related to darker morning commutes and the impact on farmers who may need to begin their work before sunrise. Some critics point to the nation's brief experiment with year-round DST in 1974, which was reversed after public backlash.
President Donald Trump has previously expressed support for ending the biannual clock changes and is expected to sign the bill if it reaches his desk. The White House also urged lawmakers to support the act, calling it a "popular, common-sense reform."
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain. Similar legislation passed the Senate in 2022 but did not advance in the House.
Recent polling indicates that the semiannual clock change is broadly unpopular, with a significant majority of Americans favoring either permanent DST or permanent standard time over the current system. An AP-NORC survey found that only 12% of Americans favored the current DST system, with nearly half opposed.
Nearly all states currently observe Daylight Saving Time, with the exception of Hawaii and most of Arizona. However, nearly 20 states have passed their own legislation to make DST permanent, contingent on congressional authorization.