The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent across America.
On Tuesday, the Sunshine Protection Act passed the lower chamber by a vote of 308-117, gaining the support of Alabama's Republican congressional delegation, including U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) and Gary Palmer (R-Hoover). Democrat Reps. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Shomari Figures (D-Montgomery) also voted in favor of the bill.
"The twice-a-year time change has long been a source of frustration for families, businesses, and workers across the country," Aderholt said. "I've heard from many constituents who simply want to pick one time and stick with it. The Sunshine Protection Act accomplishes that by providing consistency throughout the year."
The lawmaker expressed a singular misgiving regarding the bill, specifically its impact on students in North Alabama.
"One concern I do have is the impact on school children," acknowledged Aderholt. "In December and January, permanent Daylight Saving Time would mean the sun would not rise until nearly 8:00 a.m. in much of North Alabama. That means many students would be standing at bus stops or walking to school before sunrise. As a father and soon-to-be grandfather, that's something I take seriously."
"I believe we can enjoy the benefits of ending the clock changes while also making sure student safety remains a priority," he continued. "Whether that means reviewing bus schedules, adjusting school start times where practical, or identifying other commonsense solutions, we should make every effort to ensure children are not routinely waiting for the bus in the dark."
Added Aderholt, "Like many Americans, I believe it's time to end the twice-yearly ritual of changing our clocks. As we move forward, we'll continue working to ensure the transition is implemented in a way that best serves families here in Alabama."
Supporters of the Sunshine Protection Act cite the benefits of eliminating the disruptive seasonal clock changes, including greater consistency for families, commerce, and travel, as well as more evening daylight.
"President Trump supported it, and I was proud to vote yes," Moore posted on X. "It's time to stop the confusion and make life a little easier for American families."
Strong said, "I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of the Sunshine Protection Act and was glad to support its passage in the House. North Alabama families and farmers are tired of changing time twice a year. Alabamians have spoken: they want an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day."
The legislation now heads to the Senate.
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