The US House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill that would end the twice-yearly clock change and make daylight saving time permanent. The Sunshine Protection Act passed by 308 votes to 117, with bipartisan support including the backing of President Donald Trump.
The bill, sponsored by Florida Republican Vern Buchanan, would make daylight saving time the new permanent standard time, resulting in later sunrises and sunsets and more daylight in the evening hours during darker months. States would have the option to opt out and remain on permanent standard time.
“Americans across the country are tired of the biannual clock change, and the evidence is clear that permanent daylight saving time can improve public health, reduce traffic accidents, lower crime and encourage more outdoor activity,” Buchanan said ahead of the vote. The measure now moves to the Senate.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that the bill would be a “very nice WIN for the Republican Party”, adding: “We are going with the far more popular alternative, Saving Daylight, which gives you a longer, brighter Day – And who can be against that?”
Daylight saving time was introduced in the early 20th century to conserve energy, but has sparked debate. Nineteen states have passed laws to adopt permanent daylight saving time if Congress approves it. However, sleep medicine specialists argue that standard time is better aligned with circadian rhythms.
