Year-round Daylight Saving Time? Why CT's congressional delegation voted no
The Sunshine Protection Act would make Daylight Saving Time permanent unless states opt out. But people are deeply divided over DST vs. Standard Time.
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Sick of switching your clocks twice a year?
The U.S. House of Representatives just voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, but the potential change is controversial.
Connecticut’s entire delegation voted no – and it faces an uphill battle in the Senate.
“DITCH THE SWITCH”
When it comes to switching our clocks, most people say it’s “time” for a change.
“Changing the clocks twice a year seems like a total waste of time.” said Ralph Hazzard, a retired Norwalk firefighter.
Congress thinks so, too.
The House just approved the Sunshine Protection Act, which would keep the U.S. on Daylight Saving Time year-round unless states specifically opt-out.
“It is time we stop changing the clocks and we start using some common sense,” said Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.).
The vote was 308-117. The measure now heads to the U.S. Senate.
DST VS. STANDARD TIME
Changing the clocks is deeply unpopular. Only 12% of Americans favor the current system, according to a 2025 Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Research poll.
But people are deeply divided over how to change it. The survey found that a slight majority, 56%, prefer year-round Daylight Saving Time over Standard Time.
That’s because there is a trade-off in the winter. In western Connecticut, the earliest sunset would be 5:25 p.m. – but it would stay dark until 8:19 a.m.
“That’s going to be a problem,” said Jenelly Bautista, of Norwalk. “I don’t want that. I don’t think anyone wants that.”
It would be even worse in other places. In Detroit, Boise and Bismarck, sunrise would be after 9 a.m. – long after most kids go to school. Medical experts argue that Standard Time is better for sleep.
TRIED BEFORE
The U.S. briefly ditched Standard Time during the 1974 energy crisis. Accidents jumped and Congress abandoned the switch after only 10 months.
“Fifty years later, things are different,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.). “Schools have pushed start times later in many districts, including my district. Dramatically fewer kids walk to school.”
Others noted that the 1974 switch occurred abruptly in January – not in the fall.
“They changed it in the middle of winter. It created all kinds of disturbance,” said Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.). “What we’ve done with this bill is let people know ahead of time.”
Rep. Rosa DeLauro was a “no” vote.
“I voted no because Congress should be working on lowering costs, not distractions,” she said. “Americans are trapped in a cost-of-living crisis and families are struggling to keep up. Republicans are choosing to spend floor time debating clocks instead of dealing with this crisis.”
OPT-OUT?
Connecticut could stay on Standard Time yearround, but state lawmakers would have to act fast. They would have to pass a new law before the Sunshine Protection Act takes effect.
Opting-out would also place Connecticut one hour behind New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island – a potential headache for commuters.
“Of all the things we could be solving in the world right now, Daylight Savings is at the very bottom of the list,” said Jack Smith, of Norwalk.
STILL NEEDS SENATE APPROVAL
The clock is ticking on the Sunshine Protection Act.
If it doesn't pass the Senate by the end of this year, time is up. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton blocked a previous attempt over concerns for students’ safety.
That doesn’t worry Hazzard.
“I like it. I think it's a great idea,” he said. “We’re going to have winters; it’s going to be a little darker in the morning anyway.”
