On Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent across the country. The bill passed with a vote of 308 to 117, reflecting a bipartisan effort to end the twice-annual clock changes that have been in place for decades.

The Sunshine Protection Act would keep clocks shifted one hour ahead year-round, the time currently observed from March to November. However, the measure allows states to opt out and remain on standard time if they enact an exemption before the federal law takes effect. Currently, Hawaii and most of Arizona observe standard time year-round.

Democratic Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida, who introduced the bill, stated that the clock changes disrupt schedules "for no good reason." A Democratic lawmaker added, "I don't really know anybody who wants to change the clock anymore."

Daylight saving time was first enacted by Congress in 1918 during World War I to add daylight hours and conserve energy. It was briefly made permanent in 1973 but reversed after public opposition due to dark early mornings. President Richard Nixon had signed a similar bill in the 1970s during an energy crisis, but it was repealed within a year.

President Donald Trump publicly supported the Sunshine Protection Act, posting on Truth Social on May 21st that he was "going to work very hard to see The Sunshine Protection Act signed into Law."

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Meanwhile, some lawmakers, including Cotton, have expressed concerns about potential negative consequences, such as very late sunrises in some regions leading to dark morning commutes.

Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., presiding over the House vote, played The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” as the final tally was read, symbolizing the bill’s intent.

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