WASHINGTON — In a major step toward rewriting how Americans measure time, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 308–117 to approve the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025. The bipartisan legislation seeks to eliminate the century-old biannual tradition of “springing forward” and “falling back,” establishing daylight saving time as the new, permanent standard across most of the nation.
The bill, introduced by Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL), now heads to the Senate. It has received strong backing from President Donald Trump, who publicly urged Congress to pass the legislation, calling the twice-yearly practice of changing clocks “ridiculous” and a waste of money. Ahead of the vote, the White House released a statement endorsing the bill as a “popular, common-sense reform”.
If the Senate passes the measure and President Trump signs it into law, the United States will permanently lock its clocks.
The Debate: Evening Light vs. Dark Mornings
Supporters of the bill argue that a permanent shift to daylight saving time would significantly improve public health, reduce energy consumption, and boost economic activity. Lawmakers from coastal and southern states note that extended evening daylight is a major win for families, outdoor recreation, and the tourism industry.
“This commonsense legislation reflects what Americans have been saying for years: it’s time to lock the clock,” Representative Buchanan said following the vote.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from safety advocates, sleep experts, and representatives from agricultural and midwestern states. Opponents warn that permanent daylight saving time would result in exceptionally late winter sunrises.
For example, in regions like southern Indiana and parts of the Midwest, the sun would not rise until after 8:00 a.m. during the winter months. Critics argue this creates dangerous conditions for workers commuting in the dark and for school children waiting at bus stops before dawn. Furthermore, medical groups like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) have voiced opposition, arguing that permanent standard time—rather than daylight saving time—is better aligned with the human biological clock.
Public Preference and Legislative Hurdles
Despite the pushback from sleep scientists, public polling reveals that most Americans are ready to “ditch the switch.” An October 2025 Associated Press-NORC poll found that only 12% of Americans favor keeping the current system of changing clocks twice a year. When forced to choose a permanent year-round time, 56% of adults preferred permanent daylight saving time (more evening light), compared to 40% who favored permanent standard time (brighter mornings).
Historically, changing federal time laws has proven difficult. The Senate actually passed a similar version of the Sunshine Protection Act by unanimous consent in 2022, but that bill ultimately stalled in the House and expired. This time, the roles are reversed: the bill has cleared the House with a commanding majority, but its fate in the Senate remains uncertain.
If enacted, the law would allow states that currently observe year-round standard time—such as Hawaii and most of Arizona—to remain exempt and keep their current systems. Other states would also be given a window to opt into permanent standard time if their state legislatures act before the federal law takes full effect. Until the Senate takes up the bill, Americans will continue to adjust their clocks as usual.
