President Donald Trump is throwing his weight behind legislation that would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes by making daylight saving time permanent nationwide.
The Sunshine Protection Act was folded into a larger measure, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, which advanced through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a 48-1 vote on Thursday. The proposal has attracted bipartisan support, with 32 cosponsors in the House and Senate companion legislation S. 29 carrying 18 cosponsors.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have largely embraced Trump's enthusiasm for the measure, framing it as a commonsense reform that reduces government-imposed inconvenience.
"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," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post announcing the committee vote. "It will also be a very nice WIN for the Republican Party."
Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., who sponsored the House version, highlighted the economic costs associated with clock adjustments. "Hundreds of Millions of Dollars are spent every year by people, Cities, and States, being forced to change their Clocks," Trump wrote, sharing Buchanan's framing. "Many of these Clocks are located in Towers, and the cost of renting, or using, Heavy Equipment to do this twice a year is prohibitive!"
Conservative commentators have echoed the simplicity argument, noting that the current system creates unnecessary administrative burden for businesses, healthcare facilities, and government operations.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic supporters of the measure have pointed to convenience and public preference as driving factors behind the push. Some progressive lawmakers have noted that the twice-yearly disruption to sleep schedules and daily routines creates measurable friction for working families.
"People shouldn't have to lose an hour of sleep or adjust their entire lives twice a year because of an outdated practice," said one House Democrat who cosponsored the bill, speaking on background. "If there's broad agreement this is wasteful and inconvenient, we should act."
Others in the party have raised questions about the policy's implications, particularly regarding morning darkness during winter months under permanent DST. Some Democratic legislators have suggested that standard time more closely aligns with natural light cycles and may better serve public health interests.
"There's legitimate debate about whether permanent daylight saving or permanent standard time is better for Americans," a Democratic staffer told Political Bytes. "Some research suggests kids waiting for school buses in the dark is worth considering."
What the Numbers Show
The Sunshine Protection Act has accumulated significant bipartisan support since its introduction. In the House, 32 lawmakers from both parties have signed on as cosponsors. The Senate companion measure, S. 29 introduced by Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., carries 18 bipartisan cosponsors.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the provision as part of the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act in a 48-1 vote, indicating broad agreement among committee members from both parties.
Notably, the legislation would not require states that currently do not observe daylight saving time to begin doing so. Arizona and Hawaii already operate on standard time year-round under existing federal law, and this provision would preserve that status.
The Bottom Line
The proposal represents one of the more unusual bipartisan policy alignments in recent Congress, drawing support from across the political spectrum for what both sides characterize as a quality-of-life improvement.
The measure still faces several hurdles before becoming law. It must pass the full House and Senate, where different versions would need to be reconciled. The White House has signaled presidential support, which could accelerate consideration.
If enacted, Americans would no longer spring forward or fall back each year. Under permanent daylight saving time, sunset would occur later in the evening hours year-round, with correspondingly later sunrises during winter months compared to standard time.