Bipartisan Efforts Advance to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

A bipartisan initiative to make Daylight Saving Time permanent is progressing towards a full chamber vote following a significant House achievement. The House Rules Committee has scheduled a floor vote on the Sunshine Protection Act, which proposes that states have the option to maintain Daylight Saving Time year-round. The rule was approved with a vote of 6-4.

“Americans are overwhelmingly supportive of this policy and want to end the practice of ‘springing forward’ and ‘falling back.’ Locking the clock all year long would have positive impacts on sleep schedules, energy conservation, motor vehicle safety, and our economy.” – Chairman Brett Guthrie, R-Ky.

Many coastal lawmakers, along with former President Donald Trump, support the measure. Trump has frequently encouraged Congress to make Daylight Saving Time permanent to eliminate the twice-yearly clock adjustments. Currently, all states except Hawaii and parts of Arizona observe these changes.

Supporters highlight the adverse health effects associated with clock resets and argue that permanent Daylight Saving Time could enhance outdoor recreation, tourism, and economic activities. For instance, Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., believes it can bolster public health and safety, while promoting increased outdoor activities.

In May, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the measure overwhelmingly, with a vote of 48-1.

Referring to savings in cost and effort, Trump expressed his approval after the Act’s committee progress: “It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock,’ not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice-yearly production.” He emphasized the popularity and benefits of longer daylight hours.

“Ending the clock change is a commonsense reform that will improve everyday life for millions of Americans,” Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla.

Approximately 20 states have legislation prepared to make Daylight Saving Time permanent should Congress authorize its continuation. This includes Alabama, South Carolina, Oregon, Maine, and Florida.

However, some medical organizations and critics argue that permanent standard time, which offers more morning sunlight, would better align with natural circadian rhythms and promote healthier living.

“Republicans are majoring in the minors — fiddling with the clocks while the country burns,” Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., introduced an amendment to shift to permanent standard time, citing concerns over health risks—particularly for children—due to darker mornings under permanent daylight saving time. She referred to the 1974 temporary switch to year-round daylight saving time that ended due to public disapproval.

Some conservatives urge focusing on pressing legislative issues, such as Trump’s border security directives and the stalled SAVE America Act. While the House has passed versions of the SAVE America Act multiple times, the Senate filibuster prevents its full approval.

The Senate had unanimously passed a version of the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022. Still, it faced opposition in the House due to concerns about dark winter mornings.