U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to make daylight saving time the permanent standard time for most of the country.
Lawmakers passed the Sunshine Protection Act by a 308-117 margin. The bill now moves to the Senate.
If signed into law, the measure would end the twice-yearly clock changes. Daylight saving time would stay in effect year round instead of reverting to standard time each November. States could still opt out and observe standard time if they choose.
President Donald Trump has backed the legislation.
Ohio has shown support for permanent daylight saving time in recent years. The Ohio House of Representatives passed resolutions urging Congress to enact the change, including House Concurrent Resolution 7 in 2023.
For Ohio, which follows Eastern Time, the shift would move winter daylight later in the day. Winter sunrises could occur around 9 a.m., with sunsets closer to 6 p.m. rather than about 5 p.m. under the current schedule.
Supporters say the change would cut sleep disruptions tied to clock adjustments, reduce certain accidents, and extend evening daylight for work, recreation, and business. Critics, including some health experts and lawmakers, point to darker winter mornings as a potential safety issue, especially for school commutes and early activities.
The bill follows earlier attempts. The Senate approved a similar proposal unanimously in 2022, but it did not advance in the House then. The current version cleared a key House committee earlier this year with broad support.
Aviation groups have flagged possible disruptions to flight schedules and crew positioning if the change moves forward without sufficient lead time.
The legislation still needs Senate approval and a presidential signature to become law. No immediate clock changes would occur until that process completes and an implementation date is set.
