The House voted 308-117 Tuesday to eliminate the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks, passing the Sunshine Protection Act that would make daylight saving time permanent across America.

Republicans Deliver on Trump Priority

President Donald Trump publicly pressured Congress to pass the legislation, writing on Truth Social in May that he would “work very hard” to see the bill signed into law. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, would lock the country into the time currently observed from March through November. Individual states could exempt themselves before the act takes effect. Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee marked the victory by playing the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” as he announced the final tally from the House floor.

Trump framed the issue as both practical and political, arguing Americans should “stop worrying about the Clock” and calling passage a “very nice WIN for the Republican Party.” Multiple House Republicans echoed constituent support for ending the biannual time switches that have governed American life for decades.

Senate Roadblock Looms Despite House Victory

The legislation faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, where similar efforts stalled last year. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas blocked fast-track passage in October, citing concerns about dark morning commutes and workers starting shifts before sunrise. Parts of the country would see the sun rise as late as 9 a.m. under permanent daylight saving time. A senior Hill aide confirmed Cotton maintains those objections and plans to ask Senate Majority Leader John Thune not to schedule a vote.

Thune told reporters Wednesday the Senate remains divided on the mandate, noting the approach “was tried once before and repealed.” Several senators from both parties have opposed the Senate version in committee. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee expressed skepticism the Senate would act despite strong House passage numbers.

America’s Rocky History With Permanent Daylight Time

Congress attempted permanent daylight saving time during the 1970s oil crisis under President Richard Nixon, but repealed the law after less than a year due to widespread public disapproval of dark winter mornings. The Senate passed a similar measure by unanimous consent in 2022, but the House never advanced it. Nineteen states have enacted laws allowing year-round daylight saving time contingent on federal approval. Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia, citing his background as an emergency room doctor, noted the mental health impacts of clock changes and called the bill a money-saving measure that should win bipartisan support.