The U.S. House passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, but airlines, religious groups, and health experts warn the change could take years to implement and harm public health, with the Senate now deciding its fate.
The U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent, a move that has drawn sharp opposition from airlines, religious groups, and health experts. The legislation, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, passed with a 308-117 vote and now heads to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. Advocates argue permanent DST would boost evening light for families and businesses, but critics say it would disrupt sleep patterns, harm children’s safety, and create operational chaos for industries reliant on precise scheduling.
Airlines Warn of Operational Overhaul
Airlines have raised alarms about the logistical challenges of transitioning to permanent DST, with some estimating it could take up to 24 months to adjust systems. Airlines for America (A4A), the trade association representing leading carriers, warned that the shift would require a significant amount of time to adjust airline schedules, websites, reservation systems, crew scheduling, payroll and the implementation of IT fixes both at the air carriers and any impacted vendors prior to implementation of DST changes.
Airlines operate expansive interconnected domestic and global networks that are reliant on stability and predictability. Any changes would need an implementation timeline that reflects these global complications,
A4A stated. The group cited the complexity of reprogramming reservation systems, crew schedules, and maintenance protocols. Aviation analyst Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research Group suggested a six- to 12-month window might be more realistic, but emphasized that the current twice-yearly clock changes already cause confusion for passengers.
Other industries, including trucking and railroads, would also face significant hurdles, according to Harteveldt. They would all have to make changes to their software programs if we abandon the practice of daylight saving time,
he said. The logistical burden is compounded by the fact that airline tickets are often booked months in advance, making last-minute schedule adjustments impractical.
Religious and Health Concerns Rise
Orthodox Jewish leaders have emerged as vocal opponents of the bill, arguing that permanent DST would disrupt morning prayer schedules. The Shacharit morning prayer, which requires a minyan (a quorum of 10 Jewish adults), cannot begin in the dark. If prayers have to start an hour later, that will have a direct effect on people getting to work and on when schools can start,
said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of America.
The bill’s passage has also drawn criticism from health experts, who warn that permanent DST could worsen sleep disorders and mental health issues. Research suggests that permanent DST could lead to chronic circadian misalignment, which is associated with increased risks of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, and, in some studies, certain types of cancer.
Historical Precedent and Political Divide
The push for permanent DST is not new. In 1974, Congress briefly adopted year-round DST but repealed the law after public outcry. A similar bill passed the Senate in 2022 but stalled in the House.
Opponents also cite safety concerns, particularly for children walking to school in the dark. It becomes a communal issue when, for example, a synagogue that has had a morning prayer service for 100 years suddenly does not have a quorum of 10 men who can show up at the prayer time close to 9 o’clock because they have jobs,
Motzen said.
As the Senate debates the bill, the outcome remains uncertain. With airlines, religious groups, and health experts raising alarms, the final decision could hinge on how lawmakers weigh the economic benefits against the logistical and public health risks. For now, the clock continues to tick toward an uncertain future.
CBS News reported on airline concerns, while NPR highlighted religious opposition. The Washington Post covered health and historical context.
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