Millions of Americans could soon see one of the country’s most familiar routines come to an end as Congress considers legislation that would permanently eliminate the twice-a-year clock change. With multiple bills now under review and President Donald Trump backing a permanent solution, the debate over daylight saving time is once again gaining momentum.
For decades, Americans have adjusted their clocks every spring and fall, but growing concerns about health, productivity, and convenience have fueled bipartisan efforts to stop the practice. Lawmakers are now weighing several proposals that could permanently change how the nation keeps time.
Congress Revisits the Clock Change Debate
One of the most closely watched proposals is the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent across the country. The bill passed the Senate in 2022 but has yet to receive final approval from the House of Representatives.
The House is expected to consider its version of the legislation, renewing hopes among supporters that Americans may finally stop changing their clocks twice each year.
At the same time, lawmakers have introduced another proposal that takes a very different approach.
New Bipartisan Bill Would Make Standard Time Permanent
A newly introduced bipartisan measure, the Sunshine for Our Kids Act of 2026, would establish permanent standard time as the nation’s default instead of permanent daylight saving time.
The legislation was introduced by Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania and Pat Harrigan of North Carolina.
If approved, the bill would end the seasonal clock changes while allowing individual states to choose permanent daylight saving time if they prefer. Under current federal law, states may remain on standard time year-round but cannot permanently adopt daylight saving time without congressional approval.
The proposal offers states greater flexibility while aiming to eliminate the disruption many Americans experience every spring and fall.
Why Health Experts Favor Standard Time
Although many Americans enjoy the longer evening daylight during the summer months, numerous sleep researchers and medical experts argue that permanent standard time is healthier.
Experts say standard time more closely matches the body’s natural internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. More morning sunlight helps regulate sleep cycles, supports healthy hormone production, and may improve alertness during the day.
Supporters also point out that brighter mornings could make school commutes safer for children while giving workers more daylight during the early hours.
If permanent standard time were adopted, winter mornings would remain unchanged, while summer sunrises would occur earlier and sunsets would arrive about an hour sooner than they do today.
Many researchers believe that additional morning sunlight can improve sleep quality and overall well-being while making it easier for people to establish consistent daily routines.
States Continue Pushing for Permanent Time
The debate isn’t limited to Washington.
Nearly 20 states have already passed laws supporting permanent daylight saving time if Congress authorizes the change.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in several states have introduced legislation favoring permanent standard time. Although many of those bills stalled after legislative sessions ended, efforts remain active in states including California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
Currently, only Hawaii and most of Arizona observe standard time throughout the entire year.
The growing number of state proposals reflects increasing public frustration with changing the clocks twice every year.
Trump Backs Ending the Twice-Yearly Clock Change
President Donald Trump has made clear that he supports ending the current system.
Earlier this year, Trump expressed support for making daylight saving time permanent, describing the effort as “a very nice WIN for the Republican Party.“
He also called the issue “an easy one,” signaling that he believes there is broad public support for eliminating the seasonal time changes.
Trump’s backing has helped bring renewed national attention to the debate as lawmakers continue considering several competing proposals.
Several Bills Are Still on the Table
Congress is currently reviewing multiple approaches to the issue.
In addition to the Sunshine Protection Act and the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow states to decide whether to observe daylight saving time year-round. Another proposal would establish a half-hour daylight saving time system, offering yet another alternative.
Because lawmakers have not reached agreement on which approach to adopt, the future remains uncertain.
Some members of Congress believe permanent daylight saving time offers the greatest convenience, while others argue permanent standard time better protects public health.
Until lawmakers reach a consensus, Americans will likely continue adjusting their clocks twice each year.
What Happens Next?
Whether Congress ultimately chooses permanent daylight saving time, permanent standard time, or gives states the authority to decide for themselves, momentum appears stronger than it has been in years.
Supporters across the political spectrum agree that ending the twice-yearly clock changes would eliminate confusion, simplify daily life, and provide greater consistency for families, schools, and businesses.
For now, however, no legislation has reached the president’s desk.
Unless Congress approves one of the pending bills before the end of the year, Americans should still plan to set their clocks back on November 1, continuing a tradition that millions of people hope will soon become a thing of the past.