Full Breakdown
Trump Backs Sunshine Protection Act as House Committee Advances Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill
5/23/2026, 1:04:33 AM
Legislative Advancement of Permanent Daylight Saving Time
On Thursday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the Sunshine Protection Act with a 48-yea, 1-nay vote, attaching it to the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act for consideration by the full House.
Historical Context
Congress enacted year-round daylight saving time in the 1970s but repealed it after public backlash. Since then, 19 states have passed resolutions allowing permanent daylight saving time if federal law permits.
Key Sponsors & Groups
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL). It has 32 House cosponsors (29 Republicans, 3 Democrats) and 18 Senate cosponsors. Opponents: Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR).
Data & Statistics
Proponents claim “hundreds of millions of dollars” are spent each year on clock changes. The bill would lock clocks at the March-November time, preserving exemptions for Hawaii and most of Arizona.
Impact
Supporters say permanent daylight saving time would cut costs, extend evening daylight, and improve health. Critics note later winter sunrise could increase morning darkness and cite research favoring standard time.
Official Statements & Responses
President Donald Trump said he will “work very hard” to enact the Sunshine Protection Act, citing cost savings. Rep. Vern Buchanan called it a step toward ending the “outdated and unpopular practice of changing our clocks twice a year.” Rep. Gus Bilirakis called the vote “about time we get it through.”
Criticism & Opposition
Rep. Nanette Barragán noted eight child traffic deaths in Florida after a recent clock change, calling it unsafe. Sen. Tom Cotton warned permanent daylight saving time would push winter sunrise “absurdly late,” leaving children waiting for school buses in darkness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on health effects: some cite benefits of permanent daylight saving time, while other experts argue permanent standard time is healthier. The bill’s passage remains uncertain; it must clear the full House and Senate, and no schedule for a final vote is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Big Vote today (48-1!) in the Energy and Commerce Committee on a Bill including The Sunshine Protection Act, which will be making Daylight Saving Time Permanent!” — President Donald Trump
- “President Trump has pushed his support behind the bill following its passage out of committee, saying in part, "I am going to work very hard to see The Sunshine Protection Act signed into Law.” — President Donald Trump
- “us one step closer to ending the outdated and unpopular practice of changing our clocks twice a year.” — Rep. Vern Buchanan
- “In Florida alone, eight children were killed in traffic accidents in the weeks after the change — that’s not auto safety,” — Rep. Nanette Barragán
- “, who argues the notion would push winter sunrises absurdly late, making children wait for the school bus in complete darkness in winter months.” — Sen. Tom Cotton
What’s Next
The Sunshine Protection Act now proceeds to a full House vote. If approved, the Senate will consider companion bill S. 29. Lawmakers anticipate further debate over state opt-out provisions and the bill’s health implications.
