Congress Moves to Abolish Clock Changes
After numerous attempts, Congress is nearing a significant change: ending the practice of switching clocks twice a year. This week, the House Rules Committee approved a bill aimed at making daylight saving time permanent, with a vote of 6-4. Notably, Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Republican from Florida, supported the bill.
The full House has started voting on the proposal, which would apply nationwide. States like Hawaii and Arizona, which already don’t participate in the clock changes, will retain their current exemptions.
Former President Donald Trump expressed support for the bill, labeling the existing system as “a stupid twice-a-year system.” He indicated that passing this legislation could benefit Republicans in the long run.
This isn’t a new topic. Back in 2018, then-Senator Marco Rubio from Florida introduced the initial version of this measure. Since that time, it has been brought up in nearly every Congress, facing rejection in the House. Recently, Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) took over advocacy with bipartisan support.
However, opinions vary within Congress. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania) attempted to modify the bill with clauses from her own proposal, the “Sunshine for Our Kids Act.” Unfortunately, her amendment didn’t progress to the voting stage.
Supporters argue that more consistent evening light encourages outdoor activities, shopping, and spending at local businesses, instead of rushing home before dark. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) emphasized that the bill allows states to decide their own time settings without yearly federal approval. Public opinion polls suggest that many Americans are in favor of eliminating the clock switch, with a preference for the “more night light” aspect of Buchanan’s proposal.
Critics, however, voice concerns about early winter sunrises, echoing the same reservations that stalled a previous attempt to implement permanent daylight saving time in the 1970s. With several competing proposals in play and a Republican-led Congress having made strides, it seems thoughts regarding the clock might finally shift for good.
