**US Congress Takes Next Step to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent**
*Published: July 14, 2026*
The US House of Representatives has taken a significant legislative step by passing the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent across the nation. The bill was approved on Tuesday with a bipartisan vote of 308-117, indicating a growing consensus among lawmakers regarding the need to eliminate the biannual clock changes that have been a staple of American life for over a century.
The Sunshine Protection Act proposes to maintain the time currently observed between March and November throughout the entire year, effectively abolishing the practice of setting clocks back in the fall. The bill was introduced by Republican Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida in January 2025, and it has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, reflecting a shift in public sentiment towards the time change issue.
During the final vote, Representative Scott DesJarlais, who presided over the proceedings, lightened the atmosphere by playing a clip of The Beatles' classic "Here Comes the Sun" on his phone. This moment underscored the celebratory mood among proponents of the bill, who argue that eliminating the time change would benefit Americans by providing more daylight in the evenings and simplifying daily schedules.
The concept of daylight saving time dates back to World War I, when it was first implemented as a means to conserve energy. Since then, the practice has been adopted and repealed at various times, with legislation standardizing the clock changes being established in 1966. However, some states, including Hawaii and Arizona, along with US territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have opted out of participating in DST.
Supporters of the Sunshine Protection Act argue that the current clock changes disrupt daily routines "for no good reason." They believe that maintaining a consistent time year-round would enhance productivity and overall well-being. Former President Donald Trump has also expressed support for the legislation, stating in a May social media post that it is time for Americans to stop worrying about the clock changes, which he described as a "ridiculous, twice yearly production."
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the bill, critics have raised concerns about the potential downsides of permanent daylight saving time. One of the main arguments against the legislation is that it could result in darker winter mornings, which may pose safety risks for commuters and children traveling to school in low-light conditions. Additionally, some health experts advocate for standard time, emphasizing the benefits of morning light for sleep cycles and overall health.
As the House has now passed the Sunshine Protection Act, the next step will be for the Senate to consider its version of the bill. Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, has introduced an identical piece of legislation, also titled the Sunshine Protection Act, which is currently under review.
The debate over daylight saving time is not unique to the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, only about one-third of the world's countries observe some form of daylight saving time, with the majority located in Europe. Notably, several countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Russia, and Turkey, have opted out of the practice.
As the legislative process continues, the outcome of the Sunshine Protection Act could have lasting implications for how Americans experience time throughout the year. Whether the Senate will follow the House's lead remains to be seen, but the recent vote indicates a significant shift in the conversation around daylight saving time in the US.