The U.S. House of Representatives took a major step Tuesday toward ending the tradition of changing clocks twice a year, passing legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent across the country.
The bill cleared the House by a vote of 308-117. Supporters, including the White House, say keeping clocks set ahead year-round would give Americans more usable daylight during the hours when they are most active. However, the bill still needs to pass the Senate before it can be sent to the president for his signature — and it remains uncertain whether that will happen.
Daylight saving time refers to the period between spring and fall when most Americans set their clocks one hour ahead of standard time. Under the proposed legislation, individual states would have the option to opt out, but only if their state legislatures act before the bill takes effect.
Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Republican from Florida, championed the measure, saying Americans are fed up with the disruption of adjusting clocks twice a year. He argued the change would give families more evening daylight to enjoy outdoor activities and help local businesses thrive. “In my home state of Florida where tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, having more predictable daylight hours is a practical improvement that benefits workers, businesses and visitors alike,” Bilirakis said.
Opponents of the bill raised concerns about what permanent daylight saving time would mean for winter mornings. They warned that during the coldest months, the sun would not rise until well after most people have already left for school or work. “Millions of Americans will wake up during the winter months in complete darkness with the sun not rising until long after people get up and travel to school or work or have to go about their days,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, a Democrat from Pennsylvania.
Rep. Jim McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts, said he backed the bill but questioned whether Congress was focusing on the right priorities. “For folks getting crushed by rent, groceries, utility bills and healthcare costs, is this really the best the majority can do?” McGovern said. “Is this really the most pressing issue before the American people at this moment?”
A 2025 poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that when asked to pick one system for the entire country, 56% of American adults would choose to keep daylight saving time permanently, favoring more evening light. About four in ten respondents said they would prefer standard time, which offers more light in the morning hours.
Before the House vote, the White House voiced its support for the legislation — referred to as the “Sunshine Protection Act” — calling it a widely popular and practical reform. Presidential advisers indicated they would recommend the president sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
Congress has debated the pros and cons of daylight saving time for decades, dating back to when it was first introduced as a wartime measure in 1942. The Senate passed a similar bill four years ago to make daylight saving time permanent, but that effort stalled in the House.
