Developing story
Permanent Daylight Saving Time
The House passes a bill to make daylight saving time year-round despite medical concerns.
Summary
The House voted 308-117 Tuesday to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide and end the twice-yearly clock changes. The measure would keep clocks on the time now observed from March to November, while allowing states to remain on standard time if an exemption is in effect before the law takes effect. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain, before it could go to the president. President Donald Trump and the White House support the change.
Timeline
Developing since Jul 14 · 1 update
Latest update · Jul 15
Health experts are warning that permanent daylight saving time would push winter sunrises later in much of the country and runs counter to many medical groups’ preference for permanent standard time. The Sunshine Protection Act, which the House passed 308-117 with support from 114 Democrats and 193 Republicans, would end the twice-yearly clock changes and keep most states on daylight saving time year-round. The bill now needs Senate approval, where its path is unclear, before it could reach President Donald Trump, who supports the change.
Coverage angles this day
- Health MistakeCenter & Right6
- Long-Overdue FixMostly Right5
- Local Reality CheckLeft & Center2
Coverage Angles
Health Mistake
Center & RightPermanent daylight saving time is the wrong solution because it would leave many people waking up in darker mornings. Health experts say the body’s natural rhythms line up better with standard time, making permanent standard time the safer choice.
Long-Overdue Fix
Mostly RightAmericans are tired of changing the clocks twice a year, and the House vote is a major step toward ending that disruption. Permanent daylight saving time would simplify daily life and give people more usable daylight in the evening.
Local Reality Check
Left & CenterThe practical question is what locked clocks would actually mean for sunrise, school commutes, workdays, and evenings in different states. People should look past the slogan and understand the local tradeoffs before assuming permanent daylight saving time will feel better.
