U.S. Divided on Permanent Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time

Debate continues over ending biannual clock changes, with sleep experts and lawmakers at odds

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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As the U.S. prepares to 'spring forward' an hour this weekend for daylight saving time, a debate is raging over whether to make the change permanent or revert to standard time year-round. While polls show most Americans dislike the biannual clock changes, efforts to end the practice have stalled due to sharp divisions over the potential impacts on sleep schedules, sunrise/sunset times, and industries like golf. Sleep experts argue permanent standard time is healthier, while some lawmakers push for permanent daylight saving time or a compromise 30-minute shift.

Why it matters

The twice-yearly clock changes have long been a source of frustration for many Americans, disrupting sleep patterns and daily routines. With over a dozen states already passing laws to stay in daylight saving time if allowed, and others considering permanent standard time, the issue has become politically charged as lawmakers and sleep experts clash over the best solution.

The details

Over the last decade, at least 19 states have passed laws to let them stay in daylight saving time if the federal government allows it. Some states are also giving serious consideration to staying in standard time year-round. However, any change would require Congressional approval, which has so far been elusive due to lobbying from industries like airlines that warn of scheduling complexities. Some lawmakers, like Rep. Greg Steube of Florida, have proposed a compromise of shifting the clocks 30 minutes to split the difference, but this would also require federal action.

  • Clocks will 'spring forward' an hour this Sunday, March 10, 2026 at 2 a.m. for daylight saving time.
  • In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to move to permanent daylight saving time, but a similar House bill has not been brought to a vote.

The players

Jay Pea

The president of Save Standard Time, an organization devoted to switching to standard time for good.

Karin Johnson

The vice president of the advocacy group Save Standard Time and a professor of neurology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.

Kenneth Wright

A professor and director of the Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory at the University of Colorado.

Rep. Mike Rogers

A Republican from Alabama who introduces a bill to make daylight saving time permanent every term.

Rep. Greg Steube

A Florida Republican proposing a compromise to shift the clocks 30 minutes instead of the full hour.

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What they’re saying

“The majority of the year we're in daylight savings time. What are we doing this for?”

— Genie Lauren, Health care worker (adn.com)

“Morning light is what's really critical for setting our circadian rhythms each day.”

— Karin Johnson, Vice president of Save Standard Time and professor of neurology (adn.com)

“Based on the evidence for our health and well-being and safety, the best option for us as a country now is to choose to go to permanent standard time.”

— Kenneth Wright, Professor and director of the Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory (adn.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Senate passed a bill in 2022 to move to permanent daylight saving time, but a similar House bill has not been brought to a vote. Lawmakers and sleep experts will continue to debate the issue, with any change requiring Congressional approval.

The takeaway

The debate over ending the biannual clock changes in the U.S. highlights the deep divide between those who favor permanent daylight saving time and those who argue permanent standard time is healthier. With no clear political consensus, the twice-yearly ritual of 'springing forward' and 'falling back' seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future.