President Donald Trump is backing a renewed push to end the twice-a-year clock change by making daylight saving time permanent across most of the United States.
The proposal gained momentum after the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced a larger legislative package that includes the Sunshine Protection Act. The committee approved the measure in a 48-1 vote on Thursday.
Trump praised the vote in a Truth Social post, arguing that Americans should no longer have to deal with the inconvenience and cost of changing clocks twice every year.
The president said the current system wastes time and money for individuals, cities and states. He also pointed to the cost of adjusting public clocks located in towers and other hard-to-reach places, where heavy equipment may be needed.
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“It’s time that people can stop worrying about the clock,” Trump wrote, calling the twice-yearly change a costly and unnecessary production.
Trump also framed the issue as a political win for Republicans, saying permanent daylight saving time would give Americans longer, brighter days and would be popular with voters.
The Sunshine Protection Act has been debated for years, with supporters arguing that ending clock changes would reduce confusion, improve quality of life and give families more daylight in the evening.
Rep. Vern Buchanan’s office said the provision was included in an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, which was sent to the House floor after the committee vote.
The House version has 32 bipartisan cosponsors. A Senate companion bill introduced by Sen. Rick Scott has 18 bipartisan cosponsors.
The proposal would not force states that currently do not observe daylight saving time to begin doing so.
Supporters argue that permanent daylight saving time could help businesses, reduce scheduling disruptions and end a ritual many Americans find outdated.
Critics of permanent daylight saving time have warned that darker mornings could create safety concerns for schoolchildren and morning commuters, especially during winter months.
The debate has long divided lawmakers, sleep experts, parents, businesses and state officials.
Still, Trump is making clear that he wants Congress to act. He previously urged the House and Senate to push for more daylight at the end of the day and end the inconvenience of clock changes.
For now, the legislation still needs approval from the full House and Senate before it can become law.
Lawmakers advance bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent https://t.co/x3bkSaL8ho
— TIME (@TIME) May 22, 2026
