President Trump on Thursday threw his weight behind a House committee's decision to advance legislation that would end the twice-yearly clock change, hailing the move as a long-overdue reform that would save Americans time and money. The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 48-1 to report the Sunshine Protection Act, a measure spearheaded by Florida Republicans Senator Rick Scott and Representative Vern Buchanan, as part of a broader transportation funding package known as the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump argued that the current system forces cities, states, and individuals to waste hundreds of millions of dollars annually on adjusting clocks, often requiring expensive heavy equipment for tower clocks. "This is so important in that Hundreds of Millions of Dollars are spent every year by people, Cities, and States, being forced to change their Clocks," Trump wrote. He pledged to "work very hard" to ensure the Sunshine Protection Act becomes law, framing it as a popular and practical reform that would boost the Republican Party's standing.
Trump's endorsement marks the latest push from the White House on an issue he has championed repeatedly. Last year, he urged lawmakers to "push hard for more Daylight at the end of the day," calling the current practice a "big inconvenience" and a costly burden on government. The president's remarks come amid a broader legislative push by Republicans to streamline federal policies, though the daylight saving bill has drawn bipartisan support in the past.
The Sunshine Protection Act would require states that do not opt out before its effective date to permanently observe the time used from March to November, effectively locking clocks on daylight saving time year-round. Hawaii and most of Arizona, which already observe standard time year-round, would remain exempt. Supporters argue the change would improve public health, reduce traffic accidents, lower crime, and encourage outdoor activity—points echoed by Buchanan in a statement Wednesday.
"Floridians and Americans across the country are tired of the biannual time change, and the evidence is clear that permanent daylight saving time can improve public health, reduce traffic accidents, lower crime and encourage more outdoor activity," Buchanan said. "Ending the clock change is a commonsense reform that will improve everyday life for millions of Americans." Scott and Buchanan took over the bill from now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio last year, and Buchanan expressed pride that the measure was included in the larger transportation package.
The legislation's progress comes as the GOP juggles other priorities on Capitol Hill, including a contentious immigration bill and debates over government spending. The committee's nearly unanimous vote suggests broad support for ending the time change, though the bill still faces hurdles in the full House and Senate. Trump's vocal backing could provide momentum, but the measure will need to navigate a crowded legislative calendar and potential opposition from states that prefer standard time.
Trump has framed the issue in stark political terms, writing on Truth Social that permanent daylight saving time "will also be a very nice WIN for the Republican Party. Take it!" He added, "We are going with the far more popular alternative, Saving Daylight, which gives you a longer, brighter Day — And who can be against that — This is an easy one!" The president's emphasis on the economic and practical benefits aligns with his broader messaging on cutting red tape and reducing government-imposed costs.
As the debate moves forward, the Sunshine Protection Act represents a rare point of agreement between the White House and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, though its fate remains uncertain in a divided Congress. For now, Trump's public support signals that ending the clock change is a priority for his administration, even as other legislative battles loom.
