The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, moving forward a proposal aimed at ending the twice-yearly clock changes that have affected Americans for generations.
The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House with a 308-117 vote, but the measure still faces an uncertain future in the Senate. Supporters say the change would provide Americans with longer evening daylight hours throughout the year, while opponents have raised concerns about the effects of permanent daylight saving time, especially during winter months.
President Donald Trump has voiced support for keeping daylight saving time year-round, calling the current practice of changing clocks in the spring and fall unnecessary and outdated.
The effort has received support from members of Congress, including lawmakers from Florida who have pushed for the change. The proposal would require states across the nation to remain on daylight saving time instead of returning to standard time each winter.
The United States has adjusted its timekeeping laws several times over the past century. Federal oversight of time zones began with the Standard Time Act of 1918, while the current framework for daylight saving time was established under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Congress last changed the schedule in 2005 by extending the period of daylight saving time.
Most states currently observe daylight saving time, although Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time year-round. Several U.S. territories also do not participate in daylight saving time.
Supporters of the legislation are encouraging residents who have an opinion on the issue to contact their U.S. senators and let their voices be heard as the bill moves through the Senate. Indiana residents can reach out to their senators, including Todd Young and Jim Banks, to share whether they support or oppose making daylight saving time permanent.
The Senate’s decision will determine whether the nation moves toward a permanent time schedule or continues the current practice of changing clocks twice each year.