House Rules Committee advances bipartisan bill to make daylight saving time permanent

The House Rules Committee voted 6-4 on Monday to advance the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan measure that would let states adopt daylight saving time permanently while permitting an opt-out option. The approval sets the bill for a floor vote by the full House.

Supporters, including President Donald Trump, argue that ending the twice-annual clock change would improve sleep, reduce traffic accidents, and boost economic activity. "Americans are overwhelmingly supportive of this policy and want to end the practice of ‘springing forward’ and ‘falling back.’ Locking the clock all year long would have positive impacts on sleep schedules, energy conservation, motor vehicle safety, and our economy," said Chairman Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., in an opening statement.

Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., who authored the legislation, said the change would give people more time for outdoor activities and benefit retail businesses. The bill previously cleared the Energy and Commerce Committee with a 48-1 vote in May.

Opponents, including several medical groups, contend that permanent standard time would better align with circadian rhythms. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., proposed an amendment to make standard time permanent nationwide, but it was rejected. She warned that year-round daylight saving time could leave many Americans in darkness during winter mornings, citing the brief 1974 experiment that was abandoned after public backlash.

A handful of lawmakers, such as Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Calif., also voiced concerns about potential health impacts on children. Some conservatives argued that congressional priorities should focus on other issues, including border security and the SAVE America Act.

If enacted, the legislation would follow similar proposals that have passed in several states and a 2022 Senate version that died in the House.