House passes daylight saving time reform, with Trump signaling support for ending clock change

The U.S. House of Representatives took a major step toward ending the twice-yearly clock changes by passing the Sunshine Protection Act on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. With a bipartisan vote of 308-117, the bill would allow states to adopt daylight saving time year-round, eliminating the biannual “spring forward, fall back” routine that has long frustrated Americans. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain, though former President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his support and indicated he would sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.

What the Sunshine Protection Act Entails

The Sunshine Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., aims to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, giving states the option to remain on the extended daylight schedule year-round. Currently, most states observe daylight saving time from March to November, shifting clocks forward one hour in spring and back one hour in fall. However, states like Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time at all.

The bill’s proponents argue that eliminating the clock changes would reduce disruptions to Americans’ daily routines, improve road safety, and provide more daylight in the evening hours for families, tourism, and outdoor activities. Florida Rep. Kat Cammack highlighted the difficulty of adjusting her infant son’s sleep schedule due to the time shifts, urging lawmakers to provide “certainty and consistency” to families.

Political Divide and Regional Perspectives

The vote revealed clear geographic and partisan divides. Lawmakers from coastal and southern states, including Florida, Louisiana, and New Jersey, generally supported the bill, citing benefits for tourism and lifestyle. Conversely, representatives from Midwest and agriculture-heavy states largely opposed the measure, raising concerns about darker winter mornings and the impact on farming schedules.

Democrats were almost evenly split, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York opposing the bill. Only 22 Republicans voted against it, including representatives from Wisconsin, Arkansas, Montana, and Wyoming. Among the opposition’s top concerns are safety risks for children going to school in darker mornings and the potential negative health effects linked to misaligned circadian rhythms.

Health and Safety Considerations

Critics of permanent daylight saving time argue that shifting clocks forward year-round could lead to winter sunrises occurring well after 9 a.m. in some regions. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., voiced concerns that children would face darker commutes, increasing safety risks. She also pointed to scientific research suggesting that permanent standard time better aligns with human circadian rhythms, promoting overall health.

The country’s previous experiment with year-round daylight saving time in 1974 ended after widespread public backlash, adding weight to concerns that the current bill could face similar challenges if enacted. Nevertheless, supporters maintain that the benefits of extended evening daylight outweigh these risks and emphasize the growing public demand for change.

Public Opinion and Next Steps

Polling shows a strong public appetite for reform. An AP-NORC survey from late 2025 found that only 12% of Americans favor the current system of switching clocks twice annually. Nearly half of respondents expressed opposition, while 40% were indifferent. The survey also indicated a preference for year-round daylight saving time over permanent standard time by a 14-point margin.

Nearly 20 states have already passed laws to implement permanent daylight saving time pending federal approval, signaling widespread state-level momentum. The bill’s passage in the House marks progress, but the Senate’s stance remains uncertain. Senate approval is crucial before the measure can reach President Trump, who has consistently advocated ending clock changes during his time in office and post-presidency.

As the debate continues, Americans nationwide watch closely, eager for a resolution to a long-standing, twice-annual disruption to their schedules.