Updated
Updated · Tallahassee Democrat · Jul 29
U.S. House Backs Permanent Daylight Saving Time 308-117, Sending Bill to Senate
Updated
Updated · Tallahassee Democrat · Jul 29

U.S. House Backs Permanent Daylight Saving Time 308-117, Sending Bill to Senate

3 articles · Updated · Tallahassee Democrat · Jul 29

Summary

  • A 308-117 House vote on July 14 advanced H.R. 139 to the Senate, where a companion bill has sat in committee since Jan. 7, 2025.
  • In Florida, permanent daylight saving time would not add daylight but shift it later in winter, pushing some sunrises past 8 a.m. while extending evening light by an hour.
  • Tallahassee's winter-solstice sunrise would move from 7:29 a.m. to 8:29 a.m., while Miami's would shift from 7:03 a.m. to 8:03 a.m.; summer sunrise and sunset times would stay unchanged.
  • Supporters including bill sponsor Rep. Vern Buchanan say ending twice-yearly clock changes would bring stability and more usable evening light, while critics cite darker school commutes and health concerns tied to reduced morning light.
  • The Senate remains the main hurdle despite Trump's support, and 19 states have already enacted laws contingent on Congress allowing year-round daylight saving time.

Insights

Could the promise of endless summer evenings actually force millions of Americans into a dangerous, months-long winter darkness?
After a disastrous 1974 experiment, why is the US on the brink of repeating a controversial time policy today?