The Sunshine Protection Act passed in a 308-117 vote and would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would remain on the current March-to-November schedule.
The House of Representatives approved legislation Tuesday that would end the twice-yearly clock change across most of the United States, sending the long-running daylight saving time debate back to the Senate.
The Sunshine Protection Act passed in a 308-117 vote and would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would remain on the current March-to-November schedule year-round unless states choose to opt out before the law takes effect.
Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., who was presiding over the House floor during the vote, celebrated the result by playing The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” on his phone as the final tally was announced.
President Donald Trump has also called on lawmakers to approve the measure. In a May 21 post on Truth Social, Trump said he was “going to work very hard to see The Sunshine Protection Act signed into Law.”
“It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock,’ not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice yearly production. It will also be a very nice WIN for the Republican Party. Take it!” Trump wrote.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where a similar version previously stalled. In October, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., blocked an attempt to quickly pass the legislation through unanimous consent, arguing the permanent daylight saving schedule could create problems in some parts of the country.
Cotton said some areas could see the sun not rise until after 9 am, creating concerns about dark morning commutes and workers starting their days before sunrise.
The debate over changing the clocks has continued for decades. A 2025 AP-NORC poll found many Americans oppose switching clocks twice a year, though there remains disagreement over whether the country should stay permanently on daylight saving time or standard time.
Congress has attempted to pass similar legislation before. In 2022, the Senate approved a version of the Sunshine Protection Act by unanimous consent, but the bill did not advance in the House.
Several states have already moved toward ending the clock changes. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 19 states have passed laws supporting permanent daylight saving time if Congress authorizes the change.
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