The House Rules Committee approved the rule to advance the Sunshine Protection Act on a 6-4 vote on Monday, setting the stage for a potential full House vote on making daylight saving time permanent. The bill, which has bipartisan support including backing from Donald Trump and several Democratic co-sponsors, would end the twice-yearly clock change.
What the Bill Would Do
Sponsored by Florida Republican Representative Vern Buchanan, the bill would make daylight saving time the new permanent standard time across most of the United States. This would result in later sunrises and sunsets, providing more daylight during evening hours in darker months. Currently, most states change clocks twice a year—springing forward in spring and falling back in fall—except Hawaii and most of Arizona, which do not observe daylight saving time.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee previously approved the bill in May with a 48-1 vote. After that vote, 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 – This is an easy one!"
Bipartisan Support and State-Level Actions
The Sunshine Protection Act has drawn co-sponsors from both parties. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 19 states have enacted state-level laws that would allow for permanent daylight saving time if Congress approves such a measure. This growing support reflects a national debate over the practice of changing clocks, which was introduced in the early 20th century to conserve energy and extend daylight hours during wartime.
Previous efforts to make daylight saving time permanent have stalled legislatively, but the current bill has gained momentum. It still requires approval from the full House and then consideration by the Senate.
Debate Over Health and Circadian Rhythms
While the bill enjoys political support, there is ongoing debate among experts about which time standard is healthier. Sleep medicine specialists have argued that a fixed standard time—rather than daylight saving time—is more aligned with human circadian rhythms. Scientists have noted that daylight saving time can disrupt sleep patterns and have negative health effects. However, proponents of the bill emphasize the benefits of longer daylight in the evening for recreation and economic activity.
The House Rules Committee vote on Monday was a key procedural step. If the bill passes the full House, it would move to the Senate, where similar legislation has stalled in the past. The outcome remains uncertain, but the bipartisan backing and state-level support signal a shift in public opinion toward ending the clock-changing tradition.
