Daylight Saving Bill Clears House With Support From Rep. Fitzpatrick

The twice-yearly practice of changing clocks could soon end under a proposed law that drew support from U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick, a five-term Republican, voted in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which was introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Republican from Florida.

The bill, which passed the U.S. House on a 308-117 vote, now heads to the U.S. Senate.

As part of the proposed legislation, daylight saving time would become permanent year-round across the country. However, states that already observe standard time year-round — Arizona and Hawaii — would be exempt from the change and would not be required to adjust their clocks.

While lawmakers have debated the issue for years, previous attempts to end the time changes have fallen short.

The current proposal faces a familiar divide over which time system is best, alongside bipartisan resistance in rural communities where agricultural workers rely on early morning sunlight.

Despite opposition from rural areas, a coalition of business and trade organizations has lined up in favor of permanent daylight saving time.

Backers include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Retail Federation, the National Association of Convenience Stores, and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Some medical professionals and education groups have voiced strong opposition to year-round daylight saving time. They argue that standard time should be made permanent.

Organizations endorsing permanent standard time include the American Medical Association, the American College of Occupational Medicine, the National Sleep Foundation, the American Federation of Teachers, the National School Boards Association, and the National Safety Council.

The legislation faces an uncertain future in the Senate where several lawmakers have already raised objections.

President Donald Trump has expressed support for transitioning permanently to daylight saving time, but Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, has remained a prominent opponent of the change, according to Politico.