House Republicans are pushing forward with legislation to end the twice-yearly clock change, including language to make daylight saving time permanent in a transportation funding bill set for markup. The move, confirmed by a spokesperson for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, signals a renewed effort to lock the clocks nationwide.
The Sunshine Protection Act, reintroduced last year by Florida Republicans Senator Rick Scott and Representative Vern Buchanan, would eliminate the need to switch between standard time and daylight saving time. The bill previously enjoyed bipartisan backing and cleared a Senate committee hearing, but a fast-track effort in the upper chamber fizzled out.
This time, the legislation is tucked into a larger transportation package, a procedural tactic that could give it a smoother path through the House. The bill's inclusion was first reported by The Washington Post. If passed, the change would mean later sunsets in winter and darker mornings year-round, a shift that has drawn both support and criticism.
Proponents argue that permanent daylight saving time would boost economic activity, reduce energy consumption, and improve public health by aligning waking hours with more daylight. Critics, however, warn of safety risks for children heading to school in darkness and potential disruptions to agriculture and other industries.
The push comes as other political battles simmer. In a separate development, a judge dropped felony charges against a former Virginia principal linked to a classroom shooting, while the Supreme Court revived a $440 million judgment against cruise lines over Havana dock use. Meanwhile, Representative Lauren Boebert has been defending her support for Trump while campaigning against his primary picks, highlighting internal GOP tensions.
With the markup scheduled, the bill's fate now rests on whether it can navigate the full House and Senate. The effort has drawn attention from both parties, though the path to enactment remains uncertain. If successful, the U.S. would join a handful of countries that have eliminated clock changes, a move that has been debated for decades.
As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders from various sectors are weighing in. Retail and tourism groups favor the change, citing extended daylight for shopping and recreation. But some farming and transportation groups remain skeptical, pointing to logistical challenges and safety concerns.
For now, the clock is ticking on a proposal that could reshape how Americans experience time. The upcoming markup will be a critical test of whether this long-simmering issue finally gains enough momentum to become law.
