House Passes Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

The United States House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act on July 14, 2026, in a 308-117 vote. The legislation would establish permanent daylight saving time nationwide and eliminate the biannual practice of changing clocks. While the bill allows states to opt out, 19 states have already passed trigger laws to adopt the change if federal law permits.

Donald Trump strongly championed the measure, describing the current system as a "ridiculous, twice yearly production" and stating that the House passage was "Great News for America!" The White House argues the shift will reduce costs and boost economic activity. However, the bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune expressed doubt that the measure can secure the 60 votes required for passage.

Opposition centers on safety and health concerns. Senator Tom Cotton and other critics warn that permanent daylight saving time would create dangerously late winter sunrises, forcing children to commute to school in darkness. Medical organizations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Medical Association, argue that the move disrupts circadian rhythms. These groups advocate for the competing Sunshine for Our Kids Act, which proposes making standard time permanent instead.

Industry groups also raised operational concerns; Airlines for America warned that updating global scheduling and IT infrastructure could take up to 24 months. The legislative effort mirrors shifts in Canada, where British Columbia and Alberta have already adopted year-round time settings.