Daylight saving time is a step closer to becoming permanent in the US
The U.S. House has advanced the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to make daylight saving time permanent across the country. While proponents cite economic and convenience benefits, sleep experts warn that permanent daylight saving time may conflict with human circadian biology.
Why it matters
Changing the clock twice a year has long-term health and economic implications, making this a significant shift in national policy if passed by the Senate.
The US is getting closer to observing daylight saving time year-round. On Tuesday, the House advanced the Sunshine Protection Act on a 308 to 117 vote, which would turn clocks one hour ahead permanently, as reported by CBS News.
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social in May that the bill would save the “hundreds of millions of dollars” spent by people, cities, and states that have to change their clocks. “It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock, not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice yearly production,” Trump said.
In 2013, the American Enterprise Institute estimated the “opportunity cost” of people taking the time to change their clocks at $2 billion, though FactCheck.org notes that the “lost-time argument” isn’t as relevant with digital clocks making the switch themselves.
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