The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill designed to eliminate the biannual clock changes and establish daylight saving time permanently nationwide.
This legislation was approved with a significant majority, gathering 308 votes in favor and 117 against, in a bipartisan effort that now moves the decision to the Senate.
The Florida Connection
Introduced in January 2025 by Representative Vern Buchanan, a Republican from Florida, the bill received strong support from Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee and an ardent advocate for the cause.
Bilirakis expressed the sentiment of his constituents: “Floridians are fed up with the outdated and unnecessary practice of changing the clocks twice a year.”
The Energy and Commerce Committee, led by Representative Brett Guthrie (KY-02), had already given a strong endorsement to the bill with a vote of 48 to one on May 21 before it reached the House floor.
Trump’s Support for the Legislation
Former President Donald Trump has been a vocal proponent of this bill, pledging in May to work towards its enactment.
"It's time for people to stop worrying about the 'clock,' not to mention all the work and money wasted on this ridiculous twice-a-year ritual. It will also be a big WIN for the Republican Party. Embrace it!" Trump posted on Truth Social nearly two months ago.
Trump also highlighted the financial burden of clock changes, costing citizens, cities, and states "hundreds of millions of dollars" annually. He argued that a permanent daylight saving time is "the most popular alternative" because "it gives you a longer, brighter day."
Details of the Legislation
If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the legislation would make the current daylight saving time, observed from March to November, permanent, thus eliminating the semiannual adjustments.
States with existing exemptions could choose to maintain standard time all year round. Currently, Arizona, Hawaii, and territories like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands do not observe daylight saving time.
Additionally, 19 states have passed laws to adopt permanent daylight saving time once federal approval is granted, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Challenges in the Senate
The bill faces a tough road in the Senate. The primary obstacle is Republican Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas, who blocked a fast-track approval attempt by unanimous consent in October 2025.
Cotton argues that permanent daylight saving time could have negative effects in winter: in cities like Grand Rapids, Michigan, the sun wouldn’t rise until 9:15 a.m., and in Williston, North Dakota, until 9:45 a.m., forcing children and workers to commute in darkness.
This isn't the first time the proposal has reached this stage. In March 2022, the Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the same bill, but the House never brought it to a vote.
Public Opinion Remains Divided
Although the practice of changing the clock twice a year is largely unpopular—according to an AP-NORC poll from 2025—preferences on which alternative to adopt are not unanimous.
A Gallup poll from the same year showed that 48% of those who wish to eliminate the change prefer permanent standard time, compared to only 24% who favor permanent daylight saving time.
The historical precedent isn't encouraging: in 1974, President Richard Nixon enacted a permanent daylight saving time law during the energy crisis, but it was repealed less than a year later due to the unpopularity of dark winter mornings.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future hinges on whether Republican leaders can overcome Cotton's opposition and secure the necessary votes to advance without relying on unanimous consent.
Understanding the Impact of Permanent Daylight Saving Time
What is the Sunshine Protection Act?
The Sunshine Protection Act is a bill aimed at making daylight saving time permanent across the United States, thus eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year.
What are the potential benefits of permanent daylight saving time?
Supporters argue that permanent daylight saving time could reduce energy consumption, provide longer daylight hours in the evenings, and eliminate the disruptions caused by clock changes.
Why is there opposition to permanent daylight saving time?
Opponents point to potential drawbacks, such as darker mornings in winter, which could affect safety and productivity. Concerns also include the impact on schoolchildren and workers commuting in the dark.