Full Breakdown
Congress Moves Closer to Permanent Daylight-Saving Time
7/16/2026, 11:14:19 AM
Core Legislative Action
On July 14 2026 the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Sunshine Protection Act by a 308-117 vote. The bipartisan measure would make the time currently observed from March to November—daylight-saving time (DST)—the year-round national standard, while permitting any state to opt out and retain standard time if it acts before the law takes effect. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
Background & Context
Daylight-saving time was first enacted in 1918 as a wartime fuel-saving measure, repealed a year later, reinstated during World II, and codified nationwide by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. A 1974 experiment during the energy crisis made DST permanent for a year before public backlash over dark winter mornings led to its repeal. Since the 1960s the United States has observed the semi-annual clock change, except for Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and several territories.
Key Figures & Groups
- Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) – primary sponsor, argues the switch “disrupts schedules for no good reason.”
- Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) – presided over the House vote and played The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” as the tally was read.
- President Donald Trump – has repeatedly urged Congress to end the biannual change, calling it a “ridiculous, twice-yearly production.”
- Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) – vocal opponent, warning that permanent DST would produce “absurdly late” winter sunrises.
- Lock the Clock Alliance – advocacy group led by founder Scott Yates, which has campaigned for the bill for years.
- National Conference of State Legislatures – reports that 19 states have already passed legislation to adopt year-round DST if federal law permits.
Data & Statistics
- Under permanent DST, 87 % of Americans would experience winter sunrises after 8:00 a.m. (PBS).
- The House vote tally: 308 yeas to 117 nays.
- The bill allows states that currently exempt from DST—Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Navajo Nation—to remain on standard time unless they choose otherwise.
Why It Matters
Proponents contend that eliminating the clock change would reduce sleep disturbances, lower workplace injuries, and boost evening economic activity such as tourism and recreation. Opponents stress that later winter sunrises could jeopardize school-bus safety, increase commuting hazards, and harm agricultural schedules. Medical societies—including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine—have called for year-round standard time, citing alignment with natural daylight as healthier.
Official Statements & Responses
- President Trump (Truth Social, May 2026): “Hundreds of Millions of Dollars are spent every year by people, Cities, and States, being forced to change their Clocks… It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock.’”
- Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) (House hearing): “If we’re going to make a permanent change that affects every American, we should follow the science and prioritize Americans’ health, particularly that of the children.”
- Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) (Senate hearing): warned that permanent DST would push winter sunrises to “an absurdly late hour, depriving Americans of morning sunshine that’s essential for our safety and well-being.”
- Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) (Committee hearing): “I’m a little undecided as to where I go on this bill, but we’ve heard loud and clear that people don’t want to change the clocks.”
Criticism & Opposition
Agricultural groups and several Republican senators—including Ted Budd (NC), Deb Fischer (NE), Jerry Moran (KS), Tim Sheehy (MT), Dan Sullivan (AK), Roger Wicker (MS), Todd Young (IN)—have voiced concerns about dark winter mornings affecting farm work and early commuters. The Airlines for America coalition warned that altered sunrise times could disrupt flight schedules and passenger convenience.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
PBS cites research indicating permanent DST reduces pedestrian fatalities, while other sources highlight the 1974 trial’s minimal increase in child pedestrian deaths. No definitive, peer-reviewed study comparing long-term safety outcomes under permanent DST versus permanent standard time has been presented, leaving the safety debate unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hundreds of Millions of Dollars are spent every year by people, Cities, and States, being forced to change their Clocks,” — President Donald Trump, Truth Social post
- “If we’re going to make a permanent change that affects every American, we should follow the science and prioritize Americans’ health, particularly that of the children,” — Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-PA
- “Thom Cotton (R-AR): By moving the clock back an hour in winter, permanent daylight savings time would push winter sunrises to an absurdly late hour, depriving Americans of morning sunshine that's essential for our safety and well-being.” — Sen. Tom Cotton, R-AR
- “I’m a little undecided as to where I go on this bill, but we’ve heard loud and clear that people don’t want to change the clocks,” — Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-NY
What’s Next
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) indicated the chamber will review the bill, though several senators have already signaled opposition. If the Senate passes the Sunshine Protection Act, it will be sent to President Trump for signature. Until then, the United States will continue its biannual clock changes, with the next scheduled “fall back” on Nov 1 2026.
