A new bipartisan bill in Congress proposes a different path to ending the twice-a-year clock changes by making standard time permanent rather than extending daylight saving time year-round.
New Bill Takes A Different Approach To Clock Changes
For years, lawmakers have largely focused on making daylight saving time (DST) permanent through measures like the Sunshine Protection Act. While the Senate approved the bill in 2022, later versions have failed to gain enough support to become law.
Now, Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.) and Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) have introduced the bipartisan Sunshine for Our Kids Act of 2026, The Hill reported on Monday.
This Act proposes making standard time permanent across the U.S. It would also allow individual states to adopt permanent daylight saving time if they choose, a flexibility not currently permitted under federal law.
Why Health Experts Favor Permanent Standard Time
The proposal aligns with recommendations from many sleep and health experts, who argue that permanent standard time better supports the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
Morning sunlight plays an important role in regulating sleep cycles and melatonin production, making earlier daylight beneficial for overall health.
Under permanent standard time, winters would remain unchanged, while summer sunrises and sunsets would occur about an hour earlier than they do now.
That would mean brighter mornings but shorter summer evenings.
Supporters also argue that earlier daylight could make it easier for people to exercise or complete outdoor activities before temperatures peak during the summer months.
Congress Still Divided Over The Future Of Daylight Saving Time
The new proposal enters an increasingly crowded debate on Capitol Hill. Congress is also considering multiple bills that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide or give states greater authority to observe it year-round.
Nearly 20 states have already passed legislation supporting permanent daylight saving time if Congress authorizes the change, while Hawaii and most of Arizona currently observe standard time throughout the year.
Unless Congress approves one of the competing measures, Americans can expect to turn their clocks back by one hour on Nov. 1, continuing the long-standing practice of changing clocks twice each year.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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