Story perspectives

House Passes Bill Making Daylight Saving Permanent, 308-117

7/21/2026

Summary

House Passes DST

The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act, making daylight saving time permanent, by a 308-117 vote on July 14.
President Donald Trump voiced support for the bill.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it is unclear whether the Senate can reach the 60 votes needed.
Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Mike Rounds opposed the bill, arguing it would keep schoolchildren in darkness during winter mornings.

Summary

Rabbi Spector Warns

Rabbi Sam Spector warned DST would push Salt Lake City sunset to 3:59 p.m., making Jews rush home for Shabbat.
Officials say a permanent DST shift could disrupt El Paso, Texas, and Juárez’s synchronized clocks and trade.
The Sunshine Protection Act would revive the 1970s DST trial abandoned over child-safety darkness concerns.
Dr. Alaina Tiani says permanent standard time, not DST, aligns with circadian rhythms and could improve blood pressure and heart rate.

History

Historical Context

In response to the 1973 oil embargo, Congress passed the Emergency Daylight-Saving Time Energy Conservation Act, making DST year-round from Jan 6 1974; the trial ended early on Oct 27 1974 after traffic deaths and public opposition. Today, Rep. Mike Levin and Rep. Ken Buck are pushing the Sunshine Protection Act to make DST permanent, recalling the 1974 backlash and the modest 1.5% electricity savings reported then.

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House Passes DST

The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act, making daylight saving time permanent, by a 308-117 vote on July 14.
President Donald Trump voiced support for the bill.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it is unclear whether the Senate can reach the 60 votes needed.
Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Mike Rounds opposed the bill, arguing it would keep schoolchildren in darkness during winter mornings.

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