The House of Representatives has passed legislation that would establish daylight saving time as permanent, eliminating the practice of changing clocks twice a year. The bill, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, advanced on Tuesday in a bipartisan vote of 308-117 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), the bill would allow states to opt for year-round daylight saving time or continue the current system of seasonal transitions. Proponents argue that making daylight saving time permanent can lead to public health benefits, a reduction in traffic accidents, decreased crime rates, and increased opportunities for outdoor activities. Buchanan stated that "Americans across the country are tired of the biannual clock change" and that permanent daylight saving time is a "popular, commonsense reform that will improve everyday life for millions of Americans."
Under the proposed change, states that opt in would see significant shifts in sunrise and sunset times during the winter months. For instance, sunsets that currently occur around 4 p.m. would be pushed later. In New York City, the earliest sunset on December 7, currently at 4:28 p.m. ET, would shift to 5:28 p.m. ET, while the latest sunrise on January 4 would move from 7:20 a.m. ET to 8:20 a.m ET.
Former President Donald Trump has publicly supported the Sunshine Protection Act, calling it a "very nice WIN for the Republican Party" and advocating for "Saving Daylight, which gives you a longer, brighter Day."
However, the bill faced opposition. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) argued that the legislation was being rushed without thorough consideration of its impacts on health and the economy. Dean advocated for observing standard time year-round, citing scientific consensus that early morning light helps regulate the body's internal clock and promotes alertness, while dim evening light signals the body to sleep.
Currently, every state except Hawaii and most of Arizona observes daylight saving time. Approximately 20 states, including Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Oregon, and Maine, have already passed their own legislation supporting permanent daylight saving time, contingent on congressional approval.