President Donald Trump is pushing for an end to the twice-yearly clock changes by making daylight saving time permanent across the United States. The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced legislation Thursday that includes the Sunshine Protection Act in an overwhelming 48-1 vote. The measure was incorporated into the larger Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, marking a significant step toward eliminating the biannual ritual that has governed American timekeeping for decades.
Trump celebrated the committee’s decision on Truth Social, emphasizing the financial burden the current system places on individuals and governments. He pointed to the hundreds of millions of dollars spent annually on clock adjustments, particularly noting the cost of renting heavy equipment to change clocks in towers and public spaces. The president framed the change as both a practical reform and a political victory for Republicans.
Bipartisan support builds momentum for permanent change
The legislation has garnered support from both sides of the political aisle, with 32 bipartisan cosponsors in the House backing the measure. Florida Republican Representative Vern Buchanan, a key proponent of the bill, has championed the cause alongside Senate companion legislation introduced by Senator Rick Scott. The Senate version has attracted 18 bipartisan cosponsors, demonstrating widespread interest in addressing the issue. The broad support suggests growing consensus that the current system has outlived its usefulness.
The Sunshine Protection Act would not compel states that currently don’t observe daylight saving time to begin doing so. Arizona and Hawaii, which already operate on permanent standard time, would retain the option to maintain their current arrangements. This provision addresses concerns about federal overreach while allowing most states to move toward year-round daylight saving time if the legislation becomes law.
Trump frames measure as cost-saving and popular reform
In his Truth Social post, Trump described the change as “an easy one” that gives Americans “a longer, brighter day.” He questioned who could oppose extended evening daylight while emphasizing the popular appeal of the measure. The president characterized the twice-yearly clock change as a “ridiculous production” that creates unnecessary work and expense for millions of Americans. His rhetoric positions the reform as common-sense legislation that eliminates bureaucratic inefficiency.
Trump first called for congressional action on the issue in April 2025, urging the House and Senate to “push hard for more daylight at the end of a day.” He labeled the clock changes as not only a “big inconvenience” but also “a very costly event” for government operations. The president’s renewed focus on the measure comes as lawmakers seek legislative achievements that resonate with everyday Americans facing practical frustrations.
Financial and logistical concerns drive push for permanence
The costs associated with changing clocks extend far beyond individual households adjusting timepieces. Municipal governments must update public clocks, including those in towers and on government buildings, requiring specialized equipment and labor. Transportation systems, utilities, and businesses face coordination challenges and potential disruptions during transition periods. Technology systems require updates, and workplace schedules must be adjusted, creating ripple effects throughout the economy.
- Cities and states spend millions annually on clock adjustments and coordination.
- Heavy equipment rental for tower clock changes adds significant expenses.
- Businesses face productivity losses during transition periods.
- Technology systems require costly updates twice per year.
- Transportation schedules must be reconfigured with each time change.
Proponents argue that eliminating these recurring costs would free up resources for other priorities while reducing confusion and disruption. The measure has attracted attention from business groups concerned about efficiency and from parents dealing with children’s sleep schedule disruptions. Health advocates have also noted research suggesting the time changes affect sleep patterns and may have negative health impacts.
House committee vote sets stage for floor consideration
The Energy and Commerce Committee’s decisive vote sends the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, which includes the Sunshine Protection Act provision, to the House floor for consideration. The overwhelming margin suggests strong likelihood of passage in the full House if leadership schedules a vote. Committee members from both parties voiced support for ending the clock-changing practice during Thursday’s markup session.
The bill’s path through Congress remains uncertain despite the strong committee vote. Previous attempts to make daylight saving time permanent have stalled despite initial enthusiasm. The Senate unanimously passed similar legislation in 2022, but the House never brought that measure to a vote. This time, supporters hope presidential backing and inclusion in a broader vehicle safety bill will provide the momentum needed to reach the finish line.
States await federal action on longstanding time debate
Multiple states have passed legislation in recent years expressing support for permanent daylight saving time, contingent on federal authorization. Current law requires congressional approval for states to adopt year-round daylight saving time, though states can choose permanent standard time without federal permission. This legal framework has left states waiting for Washington to act while public frustration with clock changes has grown.
Florida led the push for permanent daylight saving time with state legislation passed in 2018, but implementation has awaited federal approval. Other states including California, Washington, and Oregon have passed similar measures. Business leaders in tourism-dependent states particularly favor extended evening daylight, arguing it would boost economic activity and outdoor recreation. The current momentum in Congress represents the strongest chance yet for nationwide change since the issue gained prominence.
