The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States. The Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to end the semiannual changing of clocks, has been proposed by Representative Vern Buchanan, a Florida Republican.

Background

Daylight saving time has been in place in nearly all of the United States since the 1960s, with the exception of Arizona and Hawaii. However, the practice of changing clocks twice a year has been met with criticism from some experts, who argue that it can disrupt sleep patterns and have negative effects on health.

Supporters of the bill, including President Donald Trump, argue that making daylight saving time permanent would encourage more economic activity during the winter months and reduce the inconvenience of changing clocks. However, opponents, such as Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, have expressed concerns that the measure would result in “absurdly late” winter sunrises and force children to walk to school in the dark.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 48-1 in favor of the bill in May, and it is expected to face a vote in the full House next week. If passed, the bill would allow states to opt out of the permanent daylight saving time if they choose to do so.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.