Full Breakdown
Congress Weighs Permanent Daylight-Saving Time and Year-Round Standard Time
8/3/2026, 12:57:55 PM
Core Legislative Action
On July 14, the U.S. House voted 308-117 to pass the Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139), which would keep daylight-saving time (DST) year-round. The measure now awaits Senate action; the Senate version, S. 29, is referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. A bipartisan proposal, the Sunshine for Our Kids Act of 2026, seeks permanent standard time with limited exceptions.
Background & Context
Daylight-saving time, enacted in 1918 as a wartime fuel-saving measure, has been federal law since the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Most states follow the March-to-November DST schedule; Hawaii, most of Arizona and several territories remain on standard time year-round. A 1974 experiment with permanent DST was abandoned after winter darkness raised safety concerns.
Data & Statistics
| Region | Current Winter Sunrise (Standard Time) | Winter Sunrise Under Permanent DST | Winter Sunset Under Permanent DST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron) | ~7:50 a.m. | ~8:50 a.m. | ~6:10 p.m. |
| Washington (Seattle) | 7:54 a.m. | 8:54 a.m. | 5:20 p.m. |
| Washington (Spokane) | 7:35 a.m. | 8:35 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Grand Rapids, Michigan | Sunset 7-8 p.m. | Latest sunset 8:26 p.m. (permanent standard) | |
| Juneau, Alaska | Sunset 9-10 p.m. | Latest sunset 10:43 p.m. (permanent standard) |
Why It Matters
- Morning Light and Health – Experts say morning sunlight supports the melatonin system and that permanent standard time aligns better with circadian rhythms.
- Evening Light and Lifestyle – Permanent DST would give brighter winter evenings, which tourism and business groups view as beneficial.
- Safety Concerns – Later winter sunrises could leave commuters in darkness; health professionals note that locking in DST may extend risks linked to the spring-forward change.
Official Statements & Responses
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) expressed uncertainty about sufficient Senate support.
- Rep. Murray (cited in Kitsap Sun) said his state wants permanent DST and urged Senate leadership to bring the bill to a vote.
Criticism & Opposition
- Medical Community – Health experts oppose permanent DST, favoring permanent standard time to preserve morning light.
- Legislative Skepticism – Some senators warn that permanent DST would create “dangerously late” sunrise times for northern states, affecting schools and traffic safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My state, where it is often dark earlier than 4 p.m. in the winter, has made it abundantly clear we want permanent Daylight Saving Time,” — Murray
- “The biannual clock change is inconvenient, unnecessary, and out of step with the needs of today’s families and economy.” — Rep. Vern Buchanan, FL
Public Opinion
Surveys show strong appetite for ending clock changes. A 2023 YouGov poll found 62 % favor eliminating the biannual shift. A January 2025 Gallup poll reported 54 % wanted to end DST, with 48 % preferring year-round standard time and 24 % favoring permanent DST.
What’s Next
The Senate must act on the Sunshine Protection Act before the next clock change on November 1, when clocks “fall back” from DST to standard time. The outcome will determine whether most of the nation experiences darker winter mornings and lighter evenings (permanent DST) or earlier sunrises and earlier winter sunsets (permanent standard time).
