Could We Change the Clocks Again This Month?
We just set the clocks back and got that extra hour of sleep. Now there’s a chance we may have to give it right back.
Nothing is official, but Congress is considering a bill that could put the country back on daylight saving time before November is over.
The Sunshine Protection Act would end the twice-a-year clock changes and keep most of the country on daylight saving time all year. The U.S. House of Representatives passed it in July by a vote of 308 to 117. The bill is now waiting for action in the U.S. Senate. [congress.gov], [clerk.house.gov]
If it passes the Senate and becomes law, we could be asked to move the clocks forward again, even though we just moved them back.
Yes, that means another time change this month is possible. It is not scheduled, though, and several steps would need to happen first.
Which Time Would We Keep?
This is where things get complicated.
Plenty of people would be happy to stop changing the clocks. The bigger question is which time we should keep.
Permanent daylight saving time would give us more daylight after work and school. That sounds pretty good when you want time for a walk, errands or anything outside before dinner.
Permanent standard time would give us more daylight in the morning. Supporters say that would make winter mornings safer for children going to school and adults driving to work. Sleep experts also tend to support standard time because it more closely matches the body’s natural sleep cycle. [aasm.org]
So, the argument is not just about changing the clocks. It comes down to when you would rather have the sunlight.
What Happens Now?
For the moment, you do not need to touch the clocks again.
The bill still needs to pass the Senate and be signed into law. If that does not happen before the current session of Congress ends, lawmakers would have to begin the process again in 2027. [congress.gov], [usatoday.com]