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House Committee Advances Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

The measure, folded into a transportation package, now needs full House and Senate approval and has drawn presidential backing that could shape its path to law.

Image
A view of the dome of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. U.S., September 19, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: Exterior view of the U.S. Capitol on October 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The shutdown enters its fourth week, becoming the second longest government shutdown in history. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 48-1 to advance the Sunshine Protection Act as part of the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, a move reported on May 21 that sends the measure to the full House for debate.
  • If enacted, the law would keep clocks one hour ahead year-round nationwide by default while allowing states to opt out and remain on standard time.
  • President Donald Trump praised the committee vote on social media and pledged to push the bill toward final passage, signaling White House support that supporters say could help overcome past stalls in Congress.
  • Opponents including Sen. Tom Cotton and some health experts warn permanent daylight saving time would produce very late winter sunrises, disrupt circadian rhythms, and increase risks for children and commuters traveling in darkness.
  • The bill has bipartisan cosponsors in both chambers and follows prior efforts, with about 19–20 states having passed contingent laws to adopt year-round DST if Congress permits the change, while the 1974 federal experiment with year-round DST remains a cautionary precedent.