House approves Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time year-round
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The U.S. House voted 308-117 to adopt the Sunshine Protection Act, which would keep daylight saving time in effect permanently and let states opt out for standard time.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to adopt the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the nation. The measure passed 308 to 117 and includes a provision allowing states that act before the federal law takes effect to remain on standard time, a practice already followed by Hawaii and most of Arizona.
"I don't really know anybody who wants to change the clock anymore," said Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey during committee consideration.
"The clock changes disrupt schedules for no good reason," said GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, who introduced the legislation.
Supporters argue that eliminating the biannual clock change could improve sleep patterns, public health and economic productivity by providing more evening daylight year-round. Critics warn that darker winter mornings could pose health and safety risks.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain. Senate Democrats, including Patty Murray of Washington, have urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to schedule a vote. The issue has seen shifting positions from President Donald Trump, who previously said he would sign the bill if it reached his desk and later described its passage as "Great News for America!".
Daylight saving time was first enacted by Congress in 1918 for energy conservation during World War I and has been adjusted several times since, including a brief period of permanence in 1973 that was quickly repealed.