
The House voted 308-117 to make daylight-saving time permanent. Health experts warn it's a mistake, citing disrupted sleep and higher heart attack risks.
The House voted 308-117 on Tuesday to make daylight-saving time permanent across the U.S. The bill now heads to the Senate, where a similar measure stalled last year.
Health experts say the change is a mistake. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has called for permanent standard time instead, arguing that year-round daylight-saving time disrupts circadian rhythms and increases risks of heart attacks, strokes, and workplace accidents. Dr. Jennifer Martin, a sleep researcher at UCLA, said the bill "ignores the science."
Supporters of the bill point to economic benefits. Longer evening daylight could boost retail sales, restaurant traffic, and outdoor recreation. The House sponsor, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D., Ill.), said the change would "end the twice-yearly disruption of clocks."
Critics counter that the health costs outweigh any economic gains. The shift to permanent daylight-saving time would mean darker winter mornings, which could affect school start times and commuting safety. The American Medical Association has not taken a formal position but has urged more study.
The Senate passed a similar bill in 2022 but the House failed to act. Tuesday's vote suggests the politics have shifted. The bill's path in the Senate is uncertain, with some members pushing for standard time instead.
Drafted by a large language model from the source reporting linked above, then screened by automated publishing checks. It is not read by a journalist before publication. Some articles cite our Alpha Score. Verify prices and figures against the original source. Educational coverage, not personalized advice.