A bipartisan effort to establish Daylight Saving Time (DST) as a permanent fixture is gaining momentum in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following a key committee’s approval, the House Rules Committee set a floor vote for the Sunshine Protection Act, which would allow states the option to adopt DST year-round or opt out.

Many coastal lawmakers and former President Donald Trump support the measure, urging an end to the biannual clock change—a practice still followed by all states except Hawaii and most of Arizona.

Arguments for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Proponents highlight the negative health impacts of resetting clocks and suggest that making DST permanent could enhance outdoor activities, tourism, and economic growth. Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida emphasized the widespread public support for ending clock changes, citing potential improvements in sleep schedules, energy conservation, vehicle safety, and the economy.

Americans are tired of the biannual time change. Permanent daylight saving time can improve public health, reduce traffic accidents, lower crime, and encourage outdoor activities.

Nearly 20 states already passed laws to adopt DST permanently, contingent on federal approval. States like Alabama, South Carolina, Oregon, Maine, and Florida are in this category.

Opposition and Alternative Proposals

Opponents, including some medical organizations, propose that permanent standard time would be healthier by aligning with natural circadian rhythms. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon suggested using her co-sponsored Sunshine for Our Kids Act to adopt standard time permanently, but her amendment was rejected.

Scanlon and others cited risks associated with year-round DST, particularly the potential harm to children’s health and safety due to darker mornings. Past experiments with permanent DST, like the one in 1974, faced significant public backlash.

Political Divide

While the legislative effort continues, some Republicans express frustration that GOP leadership focuses on this issue over other priorities, such as border security measures and the SAVE America Act. Despite passing the House multiple times, the SAVE America Act faces challenges in the Senate.

The Senate previously passed a version of the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, but it stalled in the House, partly due to concerns over darker winter mornings in certain regions.