WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, approving the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act and sending the measure to the Senate for consideration as lawmakers renew a long-running effort to end the twice-yearly clock changes observed across most of the country.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 308-117, drawing support from both Republicans and Democrats. If enacted, most Americans would no longer set clocks back each autumn, leaving daylight saving time in effect throughout the year. Hawaii and most of Arizona, which already remain on standard time year-round, would continue under existing exemptions, while states would have the option to remain on permanent standard time under conditions outlined in the legislation.
Supporters of the measure said eliminating the seasonal clock changes would reduce disruptions associated with shifting time twice a year. Backers, including the bill's House sponsors, argued permanent daylight saving time could provide more evening daylight, support economic activity and improve public safety by reducing traffic accidents and workplace injuries linked to the time changes.
President Donald Trump has endorsed ending the biannual clock changes and welcomed House approval of the legislation, describing the current practice as unnecessary and costly.
Opponents, however, warned that permanent daylight saving time would result in later winter sunrises in many parts of the country, leaving children commuting to school and early-morning workers in darkness for longer periods. Some medical organizations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have previously argued that permanent standard time aligns more closely with human circadian rhythms than year-round daylight saving time.
Congress has debated ending seasonal clock changes for years. In 2022, the Senate unanimously approved a version of the Sunshine Protection Act, but the proposal stalled in the House before becoming law. The current legislation revives the effort after advancing through the House Energy and Commerce Committee earlier this year with broad bipartisan support.
The Senate must now approve the bill before it can be sent to the president for signature. As of Aug. 5, no Senate vote had been scheduled, and the legislation's prospects in the chamber remained uncertain.
