House Votes To Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

There would be no more turning back the clock if the House has its way.

The House passed a bill Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent, ending the twice-a-year clock changes that have become a fixture of American life. The measure passed 308-117.

Supporters say permanent daylight saving time would provide more evening daylight when most Americans are awake, working and spending time outdoors. But opponents argue the change would come at a cost: much darker winter mornings, raising safety concerns for children heading to school and commuters traveling to work.

Those concerns could be especially noticeable in communities where school starts early. Many students who start school at 7 a.m. already wait for buses in darkness during the winter months. If daylight saving time became permanent, sunrise would be pushed about an hour later, meaning children attending schools with 8 a.m. start times could also be waiting for buses or walking to school before sunrise for much of the winter.

Critics say the darker mornings could make it more difficult for drivers to see children at bus stops and crosswalks, increasing safety risks during the morning commute.

Daylight saving time currently begins on the second Sunday in March, when clocks “spring forward” one hour, and ends on the first Sunday in November, when clocks “fall back” to standard time. Americans spend roughly eight months of the year on daylight saving time and about four months on standard time.

Under the House bill, there would no longer be a return to standard time each fall. Instead, the country would remain on daylight saving time year-round. States could still opt out if their legislatures acted before the law took effect.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., said Americans are ready to “ditch the switch,” arguing that changing clocks twice a year creates unnecessary disruption.

“In my home state of Florida, where tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, having more predictable daylight hours is a practical improvement that benefits workers, businesses and visitors alike,” Bilirakis said.

The White House has also expressed support for making daylight saving time permanent, saying the additional evening daylight would encourage outdoor activity and benefit businesses.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.