House Passes Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

The U.S. House voted Tuesday to pass legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the country, advancing a long-debated effort to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes.

The measure, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, passed by a vote of 308-117 and now moves to the Senate. If approved there, it would go to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Supporters say permanent Daylight Saving Time would eliminate the inconvenience of changing clocks twice a year and could improve quality of life by providing more daylight during evening hours.

President Trump has repeatedly criticized the practice of changing clocks and praised the House's action.

"Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent every year by people, cities, and states being forced to change their clocks," Trump said in a Truth Social post after the bill advanced earlier this year.

Advocates argue the change could reduce disruptions to sleep schedules, lessen seasonal depression, increase outdoor recreation and economic activity, and potentially reduce crime during evening hours.

However, opponents warn the proposal could create new challenges. Critics say later winter sunrises could negatively affect farmers, while some education and health advocates worry children would be traveling to school in darkness during parts of the year.

Some lawmakers also argue that if Congress permanently ends clock changes, the country should instead adopt permanent standard time, which many sleep experts say better aligns with natural circadian rhythms.

Public opinion remains divided. While many Americans favor ending the twice-yearly time changes, polls show there is less agreement over whether the country should stay on Daylight Saving Time or standard time year-round.

Congress has considered similar proposals in the past. The Senate passed a version of the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, but it never received a vote in the House. A similar effort in 2025 also failed to advance in the Senate.

If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the legislation would establish permanent Daylight Saving Time nationwide, although states would have the option to opt out if they act before the law takes effect.