U.S. House approves permanent daylight‑saving time bill

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 308‑117 to pass the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight‑saving time (DST) permanent across the nation. The measure would keep the clock set to the March‑November schedule year‑round, while allowing individual states to opt out and retain standard time if they choose. President Donald Trump publicly backed the legislation, calling the biannual clock change a waste of time and money. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain.

Supporters argue that permanent DST would reduce sleep disruptions, workplace injuries and car accidents, and boost evening economic activity, especially in tourism‑dependent states. Opponents, including Senator Tom Cotton, warn that darker winter mornings could create hazardous commutes for workers and schoolchildren. Health experts favor permanent standard time, citing better alignment with circadian rhythms. An alternative proposal, the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, seeks to make standard time the default while still permitting states to adopt DST.

Nineteen states have already passed legislation that would allow year‑round DST if federal approval is granted. Historically, the U.S. tried permanent DST during World War II and in 1974, but public backlash led to repeal. Arizona, Hawaii and several U.S. territories currently do not observe DST and would be exempt unless they choose otherwise.