After a failed attempt in 2017, legislation to end Daylight Saving Time is being re-introduced with bipartisan support. Rep. Vern Buchanan and Sen. Rick Scott are leading efforts to make it the permanent standard time, with support from 18 senators and 29 representatives. Despite calls for change, the government shutdown has stalled legislative progress. The bill, known as the 2025 Sunshine Protection Act, seeks to eliminate the biannual time shift, which is backed by a majority of Americans. However, opposition remains, particularly from Sen. Tom Cotton who fears the impact on school start times in Arkansas.
Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., argues that the biannual time change is an outdated practice that should be ended permanently. Buchanan and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., have reintroduced the legislation, which aims to set Daylight Saving Time as the new standard. Buchanan claims that he has had promising conversations with House leadership, Energy and Commerce committee members, and administration officials about holding hearings and acting on the bill this Congress. However, the ongoing government shutdown, which has lasted for over a month, has delayed legislative progress.
The 2025 Sunshine Protection Act, which would make Daylight Saving the new standard time, has bipartisan support. It has 18 sponsors in the Senate and 29 in the House. The legislation was previously considered in 2017, when it was led by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. However, under Nancy Pelosi’s leadership, the House did not take up the bill. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., believes the bill is a priority for many members of Congress and the American public, but past efforts have been derailed by competing legislative priorities.
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., has opposed the move to end the time change, arguing that it would cause early school start times in his state. He cited the impact on students, particularly in towns like Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith, where schools would start in the dark. This stance highlights the regional concerns about the change. Other lawmakers, such as Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., note that while most Americans support ending the time shift, they remain divided on whether to keep Daylight Saving or standard time permanently. This ambiguity has slowed congressional action, though Moore believes the climate is changing toward more common-sense legislation.
Support for eliminating the time shift is strong in certain regions, particularly rural areas with agricultural economies. Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., reported that over 90% of her constituents in the Ninth District support ending the twice-a-year clock change. She argues that maintaining a consistent schedule would improve public safety, economic stability, and give farmers more daylight to complete their work. However, not all lawmakers share this level of urgency. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., stated that while he supports the idea, it is not among his top legislative priorities, which include insurance, healthcare, and regulatory concerns.
With the Senate having rejected the GOP’s spending legislation for the 14th time, the government shutdown continues to hinder legislative progress. The situation underscores the complex interplay between policy priorities, regional interests, and the administrative challenges of governing. While the push for ending Daylight Saving Time has received significant backing, the path to implementation remains difficult due to bureaucratic delays and political divisions.