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A new bipartisan effort led by Mary Gay Scanlon, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, and Pat Harrigan, a Republican from North Carolina, seeks to make standard time permanent across the United States. The proposed legislation, known as the "Sunshine for Our Kids Act of 2026," was introduced last week. This bill would allow states to choose to adopt daylight saving time permanently if they prefer.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) supports the bill, citing scientific evidence that morning light is beneficial for students' health and learning. According to AASM President Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, "Permanent standard time is the healthier choice for all Americans." The AASM believes that aligning mornings with natural light supports human circadian rhythms and enhances student performance.
The bill is part of a broader discussion in Congress, which is considering multiple daylight saving time-related proposals. Another bill, the "Sunshine Protection Act of 2025," aims to make daylight saving time permanent. This act, proposed by Vern Buchanan, a Republican from Florida, has already passed the Senate but stalled in the House.
President Donald Trump has expressed support for the Sunshine Protection Act, calling it a "win for the Republican Party." However, the Sunshine for Our Kids Act offers an alternative path by focusing on permanent standard time, which the AASM and other health organizations argue is more beneficial for public health.
As Congress debates these proposals, it remains uncertain whether the Sunshine for Our Kids Act will gain the necessary support to become law. The outcome will determine whether the United States continues to change clocks twice a year or adopts a consistent time standard.