WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent, reviving a long-running effort to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes observed across most of the United States.
The bipartisan measure passed 308-117. It would establish permanent daylight saving time nationwide while allowing states to opt out if their legislatures act before the law takes effect. The bill now heads to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain.
Supporters said the change would provide more evening daylight, benefiting families, businesses and outdoor recreation. Critics argued it would leave many Americans beginning winter mornings in darkness, raising concerns about school commutes and public safety.
Supporters Call for Ending Clock Changes
Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Florida Republican who backed the legislation, said Americans are ready to “ditch the switch” by ending the practice of changing clocks twice each year.
He argued that a permanent schedule would reduce disruptions while extending daylight into the evening, providing benefits for families and local businesses. Bilirakis also said the change would support Florida’s tourism-driven economy.
Before the vote, the White House endorsed the Sunshine Protection Act, calling it a common-sense reform with broad public support. The administration said presidential advisers would recommend that the president sign the measure if it reaches the White House.
Critics Cite Winter Morning Risks
Democratic lawmakers who opposed the bill warned that permanent daylight saving time would produce darker winter mornings, increasing risks for children traveling to school and commuters heading to work before sunrise.
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania said millions of Americans would begin their winter days in darkness, with sunrise occurring after many had already left home.
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Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts said he supports permanent daylight saving time in principle but questioned whether Congress should prioritize the issue while many Americans continue to face rising housing, grocery, utility and healthcare costs.
Poll Shows Public Support
Public opinion has generally favored keeping daylight saving time year-round.
According to a 2025 poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 56% of U.S. adults said they would choose permanent daylight saving time if required to adopt a single nationwide system. About four in 10 preferred permanent standard time, which provides more morning daylight but earlier sunsets.
Senate Faces Familiar Debate
Congress has debated daylight saving time for decades. The practice was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942.
The Senate passed similar legislation four years ago, but the proposal stalled in the House.
Whether the latest bill advances remains uncertain. Although it cleared the House with bipartisan support, senators have yet to indicate whether they will take up the measure before lawmakers adjourn for the year.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: Daylight Saving Time | House of Representatives | Sunshine Protection Act | Senate | White House | Clock Changes | Public Opinion
