Congress is once again considering legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States, reviving a long-running national debate over the twice-yearly clock changes. Lawmakers in both chambers are reviewing multiple proposals, including the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, as the country approaches the March 8, 2026 spring-forward—the earliest possible date under current law, and one that would again cost Americans an hour of sleep.

The Sunshine Protection Act, reintroduced in January 2025 as H.R.139 in the House and S.29 in the Senate, aims to eliminate the seasonal time change by locking the nation into daylight saving time year-round. Supporters argue that ending the clock shifts would improve consistency for families, businesses, and schools while reducing the disruptions associated with changing sleep patterns and daily schedules.

Fox News anchor Carley Shimkus recently highlighted that President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged lawmakers to do away with the clock changes. During his presidency and again in 2025, Trump expressed support for ending the biannual time switch, aligning with Americans who see the practice as outdated and unnecessary. However, his position has at times reflected the divided public sentiment, as national polls have consistently shown roughly even support for permanent daylight time versus permanent standard time.

Despite bipartisan interest, the issue remains politically complex. Previous efforts have stalled in Congress, including resistance from lawmakers such as Senator Tom Cotton, who blocked advancement of similar measures in October 2025. Critics have raised concerns about darker winter mornings, particularly in northern states, and the potential impact on public safety and daily routines.

The debate also carries significant implications for religious communities. Jewish leaders and askonim have previously lobbied against making daylight saving time permanent, warning that later sunrises during winter months could push alos hashachar past 8:00 a.m. in parts of the United States. Such a shift would delay the earliest permissible time for Shacharis, complicating schedules for observant Jews who rely on early morning prayer before work and school.

As Congress reviews four separate bills addressing daylight saving time, the renewed push underscores a broader question of whether national uniformity should outweigh regional, religious, and cultural considerations. With President Trump once again calling on lawmakers to act, the coming months may determine whether the United States finally puts an end to the decades-old practice of changing the clocks—or whether the debate itself remains stuck in a familiar cycle.