• The US House passed the Sunshine Protection Act with a vote of 308-117.
• The bill aims to eliminate the need for twice-a-year clock changes.
• Proponents argue it will enhance evening daylight, while critics highlight safety concerns for winter mornings.
• The Senate’s approval is necessary for the bill to become law.
• Previous efforts to make daylight saving time permanent have faced legislative hurdles.

The US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which seeks to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, thus eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year. With a vote tally of 308 to 117, proponents argue this change will enhance public well-being by providing more daylight in the evening, which is beneficial for health, safety, and economy, according to latimes and cbsnews.

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), the bill’s sponsor, noted that the disruption caused by changing the clocks is unnecessary, stating, “I don't really know anybody who wants to change the clock anymore” according to CBS News. The legislation allows states to opt-out, retaining standard time if they choose, particularly states like Hawaii and Arizona, which do not currently observe daylight saving time BBC and SCMP.

While the passage of the bill is seen as a significant step forward, it is not without its critics. Opponents argue that making daylight saving time permanent could lead to darker winter mornings, posing safety risks, especially for children traveling to school according to latimes. Congressman Jim McGovern raised concerns about whether this legislative effort is "the best way for Congress to be spending its time," reflecting broader public concerns amid rising living costs SCMP.

Support for the measure spans across party lines, reflecting a growing consensus on the need to abolish the biannual clock changes. A 2025 AP-NORC survey indicated that a majority of Americans would prefer to keep the additional hour of evening daylight, with only a minority supporting the current system of changing clocks CBS News and latimes.

The next step for the Sunshine Protection Act is the Senate, where its future remains uncertain, although previous attempts to pass similar laws have stalled BBC. Supporters of the act, including members of the White House, argue that it’s a common-sense reform with significant benefits, expressing optimism for its passage in the upper chamber CBS News and SCMP.