Donald Trump has renewed support for ending the practice of changing clocks twice a year, backing Republican efforts to make daylight saving time permanent across the United States. The issue returned to the spotlight this week after lawmakers advanced the Sunshine Protection Act, a proposal that would allow states to adopt permanent daylight saving time year-round.
The legislation moved forward after the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the measure. Supporters of the bill argue that ending seasonal clock changes would simplify daily life, improve scheduling consistency, and provide more daylight during evening hours. Trump praised the effort publicly and called the current system outdated and unpopular among many Americans.
The proposal is being led by Rick Scott and Vern Buchanan, both Republicans from Florida. Lawmakers backing the bill say the twice-yearly clock changes disrupt sleep schedules, business operations, school routines, and travel planning. Advocates also argue that permanent daylight saving time could potentially benefit local businesses and reduce certain traffic-related risks.
Congress considered a similar measure in 2022 when the Senate unanimously approved the Sunshine Protection Act. However, the legislation stalled in the House before reaching former President Joe Biden for consideration. With renewed political attention and support from Trump, Republicans are again attempting to move the proposal through Congress.
Not everyone supports permanent daylight saving time, however. Critics have raised concerns that the change could result in darker winter mornings, particularly in northern states where sunrise times are already later during colder months. Some lawmakers and sleep experts argue that permanent standard time may align more closely with natural sleep patterns and public health recommendations.
Under current federal law, daylight saving time begins each March and ends in November. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not currently observe the time changes. Several states have already approved resolutions supporting permanent daylight saving time if Congress authorizes it nationally, meaning the future of the long-debated issue may soon depend on federal action.