US House votes to make daylight saving time permanent, passing bill to ‘ditch the switch’
The change would provide more daylight during the times Americans are most active, but the measure must still get through the Senate
There will be no turning back the clock if the US House has its way.
The House passed a bill on Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent. Proponents, including the White House, argued the change would provide more daylight during the times that Americans are most active. The vote was 308-117.
Daylight saving time is that period between spring and fall when clocks in most parts of the United States are set one hour ahead of standard time. States could opt out if their respective legislatures act to do so before the bill’s enactment.
The Senate would also have to pass the bill before it could be signed into law, but it is unclear if it will do so.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis said Americans were ready to “ditch the switch”, saying that changing the clock twice a year creates unnecessary disruption. More importantly, he said, it would give families more daylight time in the evening to spend outdoors and support local businesses.
“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.
