House passes permanent daylight saving time bill, 308–117

The US House of Representatives voted 308–117 on July 14, 2026, to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide and eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes. The measure, introduced by Republican Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida, allows individual states to opt out of permanent daylight saving time if they choose, while Hawaii and Arizona remain unaffected as they do not currently observe daylight saving time.

The bipartisan bill has gained vocal support from President Donald Trump, who has long criticized the twice-yearly time shifts as "ridiculous" and wasteful. In a May social media post, Trump pledged to "work very hard" to see the legislation passed, and the White House issued an internal memo urging lawmakers to support the measure as a "popular, common-sense reform." Nearly 19 states, including Tennessee, have already approved legislation to make daylight saving time permanent pending congressional authorization.

Proponents of the bill argue that eliminating clock changes would reduce sleep disruptions, workplace injuries, and traffic accidents. Supporters also contend that extended evening daylight would boost economic activity, tourism, and outdoor recreation, particularly in states like Florida. Representative Vern Buchanan emphasized that clock changes disrupt schedules "for no good reason," while Florida lawmakers highlighted potential benefits for businesses and families seeking more evening sunshine.

Opponents, however, raise significant concerns about late winter sunrises. Under permanent daylight saving time, some parts of the country would not see sunrise until after 9 a.m., and in parts of North Dakota and Montana, sunrise would occur after 10 a.m. Critics argue this would create hazardous morning commutes, harm farmers' schedules, and misalign with natural circadian rhythms. Some lawmakers, including Representatives Pat Harrigan and Mary Gay Scanlon, have proposed an alternative—the Sunshine for Our Kids Act—which would make standard time permanent instead, allowing states to opt into daylight saving time. Health experts and researchers note that permanent standard time would better align with circadian biology and ensure more morning light.

The bill's prospects in the Senate remain uncertain despite earlier unanimous Senate support in March 2022 for a similar measure that never advanced in the House. Senator Tom Cotton and others have opposed the measure, citing concerns about late winter sunrises and impacts on school safety and agricultural practices. The bill now awaits Senate consideration before potentially reaching President Trump's desk for signature.