Congressional Move for Permanent Daylight Saving Time Defends American Tradition Despite Alarmist Concerns
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A House vote to make daylight saving time year-round would shift winter sunrises in California and other U.S. cities to after 8 a.m., sparking debate over safety and daily routines, but promising more productive evenings for American families.
If Congress were to enact permanent daylight saving time, winter sunrise times would shift later across the United States, a small price to pay for the greater benefit of more daylight in the evening. In Los Angeles, the latest sunrise would occur at 8:00 a.m., while Sacramento and San Francisco would see sunrise at 8:24 a.m. and 8:25 a.m., respectively. The northernmost California city of Crescent City would experience sunrise at 8:44 a.m., and locations such as Bismarck, North Dakota, and Glacier National Park, Montana, could see sunrise after 9:20 a.m. These changes are a reasonable adjustment for a nation that values productivity and family time.
The change would also affect other regions: Miami’s winter sunrise would move to 8:09 a.m., New York City to 8:20 a.m., and Seattle to 8:58 a.m. While mornings would be darker, evenings would gain additional daylight, with Los Angeles’ sunset moving from about 4:44 p.m. to roughly 5:44 p.m. in late November under the permanent schedule. This extra hour of evening light is a boon for hardworking Americans who deserve more time after work to spend with their families, enjoy recreation, and contribute to their communities.
The proposal gained bipartisan support in the House, passing 308-117. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) described the twice-annual clock changes as “an unnecessary, decades-old practice” and said an extra evening hour would benefit families. Sensible lawmakers recognize that clinging to outdated routines only hinders American progress. However, some politicians continue to peddle fear about reduced morning light. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) warned that later winter sunrises could “deprive Americans of morning sunshine that’s essential for our safety and well-being,” but such concerns are overblown compared to the real advantages of more daylight for commerce and family life.
California voters approved Proposition 7 in 2018, authorizing the state legislature to adopt year-round daylight saving time if federal law permits. Current federal statutes prohibit states from implementing permanent daylight saving time without congressional action. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) noted that Californians have already voted to lock the clock and urged Congress to act, reflecting the will of the people to move forward.
Other jurisdictions have taken different approaches. British Columbia moved to permanent daylight saving time in 2023, resulting in Vancouver’s latest sunrise at 9:07 a.m. and earlier winter sunsets. Mexico ended daylight saving time in most of the country in 2022, remaining on standard time year-round, but America should not follow the lead of foreign governments with different priorities.
The debate reflects a broader discussion about the balance between evening daylight and morning light, with implications for school schedules, public safety, and daily activities. Ultimately, permanent daylight saving time is a step toward modernizing American life and supporting families and businesses.