Calls to End Daylight Saving Time Gain Momentum

As Americans have just adjusted their clocks for daylight saving time, Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan from Florida is advocating for its repeal. He states, “It’s clear that Americans want to stop changing their clocks twice a year. My bill would end this outdated practice.”

Buchanan, along with Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), has reintroduced legislation aimed at stopping the time changes permanently.

“I recently held hearings and had very promising conversations with House leadership, members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and administration officials about taking action on my bill this Congress,” Buchanan noted.

This year, as clocks changed on Sunday, Congress faces a prolonged deadlock due to a 35-day shutdown. Yet, some lawmakers insist that the time change is overdue for reconsideration.

The proposed Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 seeks to establish daylight saving time as the standard time across the nation. It’s worth noting that the bill has gained the backing of 18 bipartisan co-sponsors in the Senate and 29 in the House.

Daylight saving time was first enacted in 1918 during World War I. The intention was to make better use of sunlight, thus conserving fuel during a time of war. At that time, it was seen as a patriotic effort to support the war.

Rep. Jay Obanolte (R-Calif.) argues that the disruptions caused by shifting the clocks twice yearly often lead to negative consequences. “Extensive research has shown that biannual clock changes increase traffic accidents, negatively impact student performance, and affect our health,” he remarked. He believes eliminating these changes would benefit families as well.

Congress has previously addressed similar bills. Back in 2017, under then-Sen. Marco Rubio, there was an attempt to push through the Sunshine Protection Act, but it ultimately didn’t advance in the House.

When asked why earlier efforts fell short, Rep. Buddy Carter remarked that Congress often has many priorities competing for attention. “This is a priority for many members and, more importantly, for the American people. It’s past time to get this over the finish line,” he said.

Just last week, Scott tried to expedite the bill in the Senate despite the ongoing shutdown, but faced opposition from Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). Cotton expressed concern that permanent daylight saving time would result in children starting school in the dark.

A recent Gallup poll indicated that a majority of Americans—about 54%—are in favor of eliminating the clock changes. That said, Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.) believes there’s some confusion among people about whether they prefer to stick with standard time or keep daylight saving time. “Most people agree that we should stop changing our clocks. The question now is which time should be permanent,” he mentioned.

Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) highlighted her rural constituents’ overwhelming support for ending the clock shifts, claiming that over 90% of District 9 voters want a stable schedule to improve public safety and agricultural work conditions.

Meanwhile, other Republican representatives state their support for the idea but don’t consider it a top priority at this phase. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Missouri) shared that while he has a clear stance on the issue, his focus remains on other pressing matters such as health policy.

The legislative process regarding daylight saving time, like other congressional business, has been hindered due to the ongoing government shutdown.