Congress weighs year-round daylight saving time amid health and safety concerns

House passage of the Sunshine Protection Act would make daylight saving time permanent and send the bill to the Senate. Supporters argue potential economic and safety benefits from extended evening daylight, while sleep researchers warn that constant DST could delay winter sunrises, misalign body clocks, and disrupt school start times—potentially harming adolescents. A 1973 DST trial failed amid safety concerns and shifting public opinion, and with broad public unease and political hurdles, Senate approval remains uncertain.