US House Passes Year-Round Daylight Saving Time Bill Amid Orthodox Jewish Opposition

The US House of Representatives approved the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill supported by President Donald Trump that aims to eliminate the biannual clock changes and keep daylight saving time (DST) year-round, except in states like Arizona and Hawaii that have historical exemptions. The bill passed with a bipartisan majority of 308 to 117 votes. Proponents, including Republican Representative Vern Buchanan, argue the change will enhance public safety, promote active lifestyles, and provide families with more evening daylight.

However, the legislation faces significant opposition from Orthodox Jewish communities in the US, who warn it would severely disrupt religious practices. Jewish law requires morning prayers and laying tefillin to be performed at specific times tied to sunrise. A later sunrise during winter months under permanent DST would delay these rituals, conflicting with work and school schedules and making religious observance difficult.

Rabbi Yaakov Menken, vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values, expressed deep concern, emphasizing that the issue is not minor inconvenience but a fundamental disruption of religious life. He also noted that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports permanent standard time, which is healthier for the body. Orthodox organizations such as Agudath Israel of America and the Orthodox Union highlighted safety risks for children who would have to wait for school transportation in darkness during winter mornings.

Similar legislation was attempted in the 1970s but quickly repealed after public outcry over children traveling to school in the dark. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to face strong resistance from senators including Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton, who may block or amend the proposal before it reaches President Trump's desk for final approval.