House Set to Vote on Permanent Daylight Saving Time

The U.S. House of Representatives will hold a floor vote next week on the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight saving time (DST) the year-round standard while permitting states to opt out. The measure cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee in May with a 48-1 vote. A similar bill passed the Senate unanimously in March 2022, but the House never acted on it. The proposal follows earlier attempts, including a wartime year-round DST during World II and a brief 1974 enactment that was quickly repealed. Nineteen states have already adopted resolutions supporting permanent DST, contingent on federal approval.

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Proponents argue that eliminating the twice-annual clock change would reduce sleep disturbances, workplace injuries, and traffic accidents, and would boost evening commerce and tourism. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), who has championed the bill since 2018, notes its popularity in Florida for extending play on golf courses and sports fields. Representative Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) says permanent DST is “better for safety and will boost New Jersey’s tourism industry. Let’s stop changing the clocks twice a year.” The measure also enjoys backing from former President Donald Trump, who has called the change a win for families and businesses.

The Independent

Critics warn that permanent DST would produce “absurdly late winter sunrises” and force children to travel to school in darkness. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has voiced that the shift would “push winter sunrises to an absurdly late hour… kids would either walk to school in the pitch black or schools would have to push back start times.” Health experts and some parents echo concerns about darker mornings affecting circadian rhythms and school commutes.

The Independent

• “time that people can stop worrying about the 'Clock,' not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice yearly production.” — Donald Trump, former President (social media)

Reuters

• “better for safety and will boost New Jersey’s tourism industry. Let’s stop changing the clocks twice a year.” — Frank Pallone Jr., Representative (D-N.J.)

Reuters

• “kids would either walk to school in the pitch black or schools would have to push back start times.” — Tom Cotton, Senator (R-Ark.)

The Hill

• “The plan is popular in the lawmaker's home state because it would allow more evening hours of play on golf courses and sports fields.” — Vern Buchanan, Representative (R-Fla.)

Reuters