ByREUTERS

JULY 15, 2026 04:30

The United States House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday by a wide margin to establish permanent daylight saving time and eliminate the biannual clock adjustments observed in most states since the 1960s.

The 308-117 vote forwards the measure to the Senate. If approved, clocks would stay on daylight saving time without reverting to standard time in November, although states could choose to opt out of the year-round schedule.

Advocates note that the clock changes disturb sleep patterns, raise the risk of workplace accidents and lead to additional traffic incidents. They further contend that maintaining an extra hour of evening light year-round would stimulate economic activity in colder months.

Opponents warn that the sun would rise an hour later during winter mornings, resulting in more children commuting to school and workers traveling in darkness.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged an end to the biannual clock shifts and strongly endorses the proposal.

The bill still encounters resistance from Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and other lawmakers. Cotton contends that permanent daylight saving time would produce very late winter sunrises and require many children across the nation to attend school before sunrise.

On Monday, House members turned down a request to consider an alternative plan that would have made standard time permanent instead.

US airline group opposes move

Airlines for America, representing major carriers, expressed concerns that the bill would create significant challenges for aviation operations, including passenger delays, crew and aircraft scheduling, and connectivity problems domestically and internationally. Any adjustments would require an implementation period that accounts for these worldwide issues.

In May, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the Sunshine Protection Act by a 48-1 margin. The Senate passed similar legislation unanimously in March 2022, but the House did not advance it due to opposition. Hawaii and Arizona currently do not observe daylight saving time.

The nation implemented year-round daylight saving time during World War Two and again in 1974 to conserve energy. The policy proved highly unpopular and was repealed by Congress later that year.

Democratic Representative Frank Pallone stated on Tuesday that commuting and work patterns have evolved, with fewer children walking to school. He added that it is time to end the cycle of springing forward and falling back.