The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation earlier today to officially end the biannual tradition of changing the clocks. Known as the Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139), the bill would establish permanent Daylight Saving Time across the country.
Under the legislation, states that currently observe the seasonal time shift would lock their clocks permanently. However, states that have already exempted themselves from Daylight Saving Time and choose to remain on permanent standard time would be allowed to do so.
U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), who serves as the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, managed the floor debate for the bill. The action follows previous committee hearings where witnesses testified about the potential impacts of the shift.
Proponents cited evidence suggesting that permanent Daylight Saving Time could reduce motor vehicle accidents, improve public health outcomes, and offer more evening daylight for outdoor exercise, family activities, and local commerce.
“For years, Floridians have made it clear that they are tired of the outdated and unnecessary practice of changing the clocks twice a year,” Bilirakis said during the proceedings. “The biannual time change disrupts daily routines, inconveniences families and businesses, and no longer reflects the needs of our modern economy. Establishing Permanent Daylight Saving Time will provide Americans with greater consistency, more usable daylight in the evening, and the certainty that comes with ending the twice-yearly clock changes. Americans are ready to ditch the switch, and today we took an important step toward making that long-overdue goal a reality.”
Bilirakis has been a long-time advocate of the measure, collaborating with lawmakers from both parties to advance the permanent time change. Following its successful passage in the House, the Sunshine Protection Act moves to the Senate for final consideration.
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