A bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent has moved forward in the House, with the House Rules Committee approving the measure in a 6-4 vote. The Sunshine Protection Act, which has the support of President Donald Trump, would allow states to enact Daylight Saving Time year-round, with an option to opt out.

Benefits of Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Proponents of the bill argue that making Daylight Saving Time permanent would have numerous benefits, including improved health, increased outdoor recreation, and a boost to the economy. They also point out that the current practice of changing clocks twice a year can have negative impacts on health and productivity.

Chairman Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., stated that Americans are overwhelmingly supportive of this policy and want to end the practice of changing clocks. He added that locking the clock all year long would have positive impacts on sleep schedules, energy conservation, motor vehicle safety, and the economy.

Opposition to the Bill

However, not everyone is in favor of making Daylight Saving Time permanent. Some medical organizations argue that permanent standard time would be the healthier option, as it would more closely align with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., proposed an amendment to make standard time permanent nationwide, but it was rejected.

Other lawmakers, including Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, have expressed concerns that the GOP leadership should be focused on more pressing legislative issues, such as border security and the stalled SAVE America Act.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.