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House approves bill to make daylight saving time permanent

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The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes that have long frustrated many Americans.

The Sunshine Protection Act passed Tuesday by a 308-117 vote and now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.

If enacted, the measure would keep the country on the current daylight saving time schedule observed from March through early November year-round. States would have the option to exempt themselves before the law takes effect.

Although the bill received broad bipartisan support in the House, Senate leaders have signaled the proposal faces significant hurdles.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., has previously opposed the legislation, arguing that permanent daylight saving time could create safety concerns by leaving some communities in darkness until 9 a.m. or later during the winter months. A senior Senate aide said Cotton continues to hold those concerns and plans to urge Senate leaders not to bring the bill up for a vote.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., also expressed reservations, saying lawmakers are still evaluating the proposal and noting that members of both parties remain divided.

Supporters argue that ending the twice-a-year time changes would simplify daily life, reduce costs and provide health benefits by eliminating disruptions to sleep schedules. Opponents counter that darker winter mornings could create hazards for schoolchildren, commuters and early-morning workers.

Americans have long expressed frustration with changing clocks every spring and fall, but polls show there is less agreement on whether the nation should adopt permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time.

Congress came close to approving the change in 2022, when the Senate unanimously passed a similar bill, but the measure never received a vote in the House.

The federal government briefly adopted year-round daylight saving time during the 1970s energy crisis, but repealed the policy in less than a year after widespread complaints about dark winter mornings.

Daylight saving time has been observed nationally under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Arizona, Hawaii and several U.S. territories do not observe the time change.

Source: NBC

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