Full Breakdown
Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time Faces Legislative Hurdles
8/1/2026, 12:56:52 PM
Core Event: House Passes the Sunshine Protection Act, Senate Still Deliberating
On July 14, the U.S. House approved H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act, by a vote of 308-117. The measure would make daylight-saving time (DST) the year-round standard and was sent to the Senate. The Senate version, S. 29, has remained in committee since Jan. 7, 2025, with no vote scheduled.
Background & Context
Daylight-saving time was first instituted nationally in 1918 and has been adjusted repeatedly. Bipartisan proposals have sought either permanent DST or the elimination of seasonal clock changes. The Senate unanimously passed a version of the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, but the bill stalled after moving to the House. President Donald Trump has urged senators to approve the measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) has expressed uncertainty about sufficient votes.
Data & Statistics
- A 2023 YouGov survey found 62 % of Americans favored ending the twice-yearly clock change.
- A Jan. 2025 Gallup poll reported 54 % wanted to end DST, with 48 % preferring permanent standard time and 24 % favoring permanent DST.
- A Feb. 2026 YouGov poll showed 64 % wanted to eliminate the clock change, split between 43 % who preferred permanent DST and 28 % who preferred permanent standard time.
- Nineteen states have enacted legislation for year-round DST, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
- Hawaii, most of Arizona (except the Navajo Nation), American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe DST.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump has called on senators to support the bill, emphasizing public frustration with the biannual change. Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida filed H.R. Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted uncertainty about sufficient Senate support. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) warned that permanent DST would cause “dangerously late” sunrises, forcing children to walk to school in darkness. Health professionals have opposed permanent DST, citing reduced morning light and circadian misalignment, and have advocated for permanent standard time.
Criticism & Opposition
Orthodox Jewish groups argue permanent DST would interfere with religious observances tied to sunrise and sunset. Medical experts, including Herzog, contend that locking the clock into DST would exacerbate health risks linked to reduced morning light. Sen. Cotton’s statement reflects broader safety concerns about dark winter mornings for commuters and schoolchildren, contributing to Senate hesitancy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polls show varying support for eliminating the clock change and differing preferences for permanent DST versus permanent standard time, illustrating a lack of consensus. The Senate’s timeline for a vote remains unclear, leaving the legislation’s fate uncertain.
What’s Next
The Sunshine Protection Act now awaits action by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Lawmakers have not announced a hearing date or vote deadline. If the Senate approves the measure, it would proceed to the President for signature; otherwise, the biannual clock change will continue, with clocks set back on the first Sunday in November.
