The House Energy and Commerce Committee has overwhelmingly approved the Sunshine Protection Act by a 48-1 vote, moving forward a plan to make daylight saving time permanent across the United States. The measure could be included as part of a five-year transportation bill.
Supporters Cite Health and Economic Benefits
Proponents of the bill argue that permanent daylight saving time would reduce sleep disturbances, workplace injuries, and car crashes. They also claim it would boost economic activity by extending daylight hours into the evening.
Opposition and Concerns
Opponents, including Republican Senator Tom Cotton, have raised concerns about absurdly late winter sunrises, which could force children to commute to school in darkness. The bill still needs to pass both the U.S. House and Senate. A similar measure passed the Senate unanimously in March 2022 but was not taken up by the House at that time.
President Donald Trump has expressed support for ending the biannual clock changes, stating it is time to finally kill daylight saving time after the committee vote.
