US House passes Sunshine Protection Act: Americans may never change clocks again

The US House of Representatives has passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would end the twice-yearly clock changes by making daylight saving time (DST) permanent across most of the country.

The legislation cleared the House in a 308-117 bipartisan vote and now moves to the Senate. If approved there and signed into law, Americans in most states would no longer adjust their clocks every spring and autumn.

President Donald Trump has backed the proposal, calling the current system of changing clocks twice a year "ridiculous" and outdated.

What is the Sunshine Protection Act?

The Sunshine Protection Act is a proposed federal law that would make daylight saving time permanent throughout the year.

Currently, most US states move clocks:

• Forward by one hour in March (start of daylight saving time)
• Back by one hour in November (return to standard time)

If the bill becomes law, clocks would remain on daylight saving time year-round, eliminating the seasonal clock changes.

States that already observe permanent standard time, such as Hawaii and most of Arizona, would continue under existing exemptions. Other states may also choose permanent standard time under the bill's provisions.

Why supporters want permanent daylight saving time

Supporters argue that ending the twice-yearly clock changes would offer several benefits, including:

• More evening daylight for outdoor activities and businesses
• Fewer sleep disruptions caused by changing clocks
• Reduced workplace injuries and road accidents linked to sleep loss
• Potential economic gains for retail, tourism and recreation industries

Trump has repeatedly said Americans prefer "a longer, brighter day" and has publicly supported permanent daylight saving time.

Why some lawmakers oppose the bill

Not everyone agrees with the proposal.

Critics, including Republican Senator Tom Cotton, argue that permanent daylight saving time would result in much darker winter mornings, especially in northern states.

According to opponents, later sunrises could:

• Force children to travel to school before sunrise
• Reduce morning visibility for commuters
• Disrupt natural body clocks by limiting exposure to early morning sunlight

Representative Mary Gay Scanlon has instead supported legislation to establish permanent standard time, saying morning sunlight is important for healthy sleep patterns and overall wellbeing.

The proposal still faces Senate hurdle

Although the House has approved the bill, it is not yet law.

The Sunshine Protection Act must still pass the US Senate before being sent to President Trump for his signature.

A similar proposal passed the Senate in 2022 but later stalled in the House. This time, despite House approval, senators remain divided over whether permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time would better serve the country.

A debate that goes beyond changing the clocks

The discussion over the Sunshine Protection Act reflects a wider debate about public health, road safety, economic activity and daily routines.

Supporters believe eliminating seasonal clock changes would simplify life and boost productivity, while opponents argue that darker winter mornings could create new safety and health concerns.

For now, Americans will continue changing their clocks twice a year unless the Senate approves the legislation.