House Passes Trump-Backed Bill To Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

The House of Representatives has passed the Sunshine Protection Act, advancing President Trump‘s push to end the twice-yearly clock changes by making Daylight Saving Time permanent across much of the United States. The bipartisan legislation passed by a vote of 308-117 and now heads to the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, would allow states to observe Daylight Saving Time year-round while also giving states the option to opt out if they choose. If enacted, Americans would no longer “fall back” each November, keeping clocks on Daylight Saving Time throughout the year.

President Trump has strongly backed the measure, arguing that ending the twice-annual time changes would eliminate an unnecessary inconvenience while giving Americans more daylight during evening hours. He urged Republicans to support the legislation, calling it a commonsense reform that has broad public support.

Supporters of the bill say permanent Daylight Saving Time would improve quality of life by reducing sleep disruption, lowering traffic accidents, encouraging outdoor recreation, and boosting economic activity through longer daylight in the evenings. Nearly 20 states have already passed laws that would allow them to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time once Congress authorizes the change.

Opponents argued that darker winter mornings could create safety concerns, particularly for schoolchildren and early commuters. Some lawmakers and sleep experts have instead advocated for permanent standard time, saying it aligns more closely with natural circadian rhythms. An amendment to favor permanent standard time was rejected before the final vote.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where a similar version passed unanimously in 2022 but ultimately stalled before becoming law. If the Senate approves the current measure, it will be sent to President Trump, who has indicated he would sign it.