The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced a bill on May 21 that would make daylight saving time permanent, ending the biannual clock changes. The Sunshine Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), was included as a provision in the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act and passed the committee in a 48-1 vote.
President Donald Trump endorsed the measure, calling it a cost-saving and popular move. He cited the financial burden of adjusting clocks twice a year, particularly for large structures like towers. Trump also framed the change as a political win for Republicans, emphasizing the public preference for longer daylight hours.
The bill would allow states to opt out if Congress passes the measure. Polling shows widespread opposition to the current system, though there is less consensus on a replacement. An AP-NORC poll found only 12% of Americans favor the current system, while 47% oppose it.
Critics argue that permanent daylight saving time could increase energy consumption and negatively impact health and safety. A 2008 National Bureau of Economic Research study found that daylight saving time increases residential electricity demand by about 1%. Additionally, some health experts note a spike in traffic fatalities following the time change.
The bill now moves to the House floor for debate, with Trump indicating he would sign it into law if passed.