WASHINGTON (AP) — The House of Representatives is preparing to vote next week on legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States. The measure, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, would end the twice‑yearly clock changes that have been in place for decades.
The bill cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee earlier this year with broad bipartisan support. President Donald Trump has signaled he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk, saying permanent daylight saving time would be “very popular” and reduce disruptions caused by shifting clocks.
Supporters argue that eliminating the time changes could improve public health, reduce traffic accidents, and provide more daylight hours for recreation and commerce. Critics warn that permanent daylight saving time would mean darker mornings in winter, raising safety concerns for schoolchildren and commuters. Sleep experts have also said permanent standard time would better align with human circadian rhythms.
Congress briefly adopted year‑round daylight saving time in 1974, but the policy was quickly repealed after complaints about dark winter mornings. Arizona and Hawaii already remain on standard time year‑round, and at least 19 states have passed resolutions supporting permanent daylight saving time if federal law allows.
The House vote is expected in the coming days. If approved, the measure would still need Senate passage before heading to the president.