Americans are one step closer to ending the twice-yearly ritual of changing their clocks after the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation Tuesday that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across most of the country.
The Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139) passed the House by a 308-117 bipartisan vote. The legislation received support from 193 Republicans, 114 Democrats and one Independent, while 22 Republicans and 95 Democrats voted against it. Six members did not vote.
If the bill ultimately becomes law, Americans would no longer “spring forward” each March or “fall back” each November. Instead, Daylight Saving Time would remain in effect year-round, eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes observed across most of the United States.
The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate. If approved there and signed by President Donald Trump, the change would take effect nationwide. Hawaii and most of Arizona, which already do not observe Daylight Saving Time, would remain exempt under current law.
For residents across Mississippi, Louisiana and the rest of the Miss-Lou, the most noticeable change would come during the winter months. Sunset would occur about an hour later, providing more daylight in the evening for commuting, shopping, youth sports and outdoor recreation. The tradeoff would be darker mornings, with sunrise occurring roughly an hour later than it does under the current system.
Supporters of the legislation say eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes would end a practice many Americans find inconvenient while providing additional evening daylight that could benefit businesses, recreation and tourism. They also point to studies suggesting the seasonal clock changes can temporarily disrupt sleep schedules and daily routines.
Opponents, however, argue permanent standard time is better aligned with the body’s natural circadian rhythm and have expressed concerns that darker winter mornings could affect schoolchildren waiting for buses and morning commuters traveling before sunrise.
Congress has debated ending the clock changes for years. In 2022, the Senate unanimously approved a similar version of the Sunshine Protection Act, but the measure never received a vote in the House before the end of that congressional session. The current bill must still clear the Senate before it can become law.
How Mississippi and Louisiana’s Representatives Voted
Mississippi’s congressional delegation largely supported the Sunshine Protection Act, with Rep. Bennie Thompson casting the state’s only “no” vote. In Louisiana, every representative who voted supported the measure, while Rep. Cleo Fields did not cast a vote.
Mississippi
Voted Yes
- Trent Kelly (R), Mississippi’s 1st District
- Michael Guest (R), Mississippi’s 3rd District
- Mike Ezell (R), Mississippi’s 4th District
Voted No
- Bennie Thompson (D), Mississippi’s 2nd District
Louisiana
Voted Yes
- Steve Scalise (R), Louisiana’s 1st District
- Troy Carter (D), Louisiana’s 2nd District
- Clay Higgins (R), Louisiana’s 3rd District
- Mike Johnson (R), Louisiana’s 4th District
- Julia Letlow (R), Louisiana’s 5th District
Did Not Vote
- Cleo Fields (D), Louisiana’s 6th District
The legislation is not yet law. Before any changes take effect, it must pass the U.S. Senate and then be signed by President Donald Trump.
Until then, Americans—including residents throughout Mississippi, Louisiana and the Miss-Lou—should still plan to turn their clocks back one hour this November.
