The House voted Tuesday to allow states to observe daylight saving time throughout the year, advancing a bipartisan effort to end the twice-yearly practice of changing clocks.
Lawmakers approved the Sunshine Protection Act 308-117, sending it to the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., would let states remain on daylight saving time instead of moving clocks forward in March and back in November.
“For decades, we have accepted this ritual of springing forward and falling back, even though it disrupts routines, throws off our sleep and creates unnecessary frustration for families across the country,” Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., said during floor debate.
“Let’s stop asking Americans to reset their clocks every March and November,” she continued. “Let’s provide some certainty and consistency and a little more sunshine at the end of the day.”
The measure drew support from both parties, though opposition was stronger among lawmakers from the Midwest and agricultural districts. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., voted against it, while only 22 Republicans opposed it.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain. President Donald Trump has criticized the current system and indicated he would sign the legislation. The White House called it a “popular, common-sense reform.”
Most states currently move clocks ahead in the spring and return to standard time in the fall. Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time year-round. About 20 states have approved permanent daylight saving time but cannot adopt it without congressional authorization.
Supporters say ending the clock changes would reduce sleep disruptions, provide families and businesses with greater consistency and encourage spending at restaurants, shops and recreational businesses.
“More evening sunshine means more time with family and more time to enjoy our local restaurants, shops, and everything Florida has to offer,” Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., posted on social media. “It’s common sense. Let’s get it done.”
Critics warn that permanent daylight saving time would push winter sunrises past 9 a.m. in some regions, leaving schoolchildren and early-shift workers traveling in darkness, especially in northern states at the western edge of their time zones.
“If we’re going to make a permanent change that affects every American, we should follow the science and prioritize Americans’ health, particularly that of the children,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., who favors permanent standard time.
Scanlon cited the country’s 1974 experiment with year-round daylight saving time, which Congress abandoned amid public concern over dark winter mornings.
A December AP-NORC poll found that only 12 percent of Americans support continuing the current clock-changing system. Permanent daylight saving time led permanent standard time by 14 percentage points.
The Senate passed similar legislation in 2022, but it stalled in the House. Supporters hope the latest vote and White House backing will give the proposal a better chance this time.
