The US House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act in a 308-117 vote, aiming to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Introduced by Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida, the legislation would end the twice-yearly clock changes, keeping most of the country on daylight saving time year-round.
President Donald Trump has expressed support for the measure.
"Twice each year, Americans are forced to adjust their schedules because of a practice that no longer fits the way we live today," Buchanan said.
He noted that clock changes disrupt sleep, create confusion, and have been linked to increased traffic accidents and workplace injuries during transitions.
Supporters argue that extra evening light boosts retail, outdoor recreation, and economic activity, especially in Southern states like Florida and Texas.
However, critics warn of significantly delayed winter sunrises across the country.
Rabbi A. D.
Motzen, National Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of America, expressed concerns about morning prayer schedules.
"The later the morning is, the later that prayers can be taking place," he said.
According to Agudath Israel, late sunrises would disrupt Jewish morning rituals, which require a ten-man quorum and natural dawn before services can begin.
The organization sent a letter to Congressional offices stating that "Jewish religious and professional life will be deeply upended."
Data compiled by the group shows that cities in the Midwest and Mountain West would see sunrises after 8 a.
m. or even 9 a.
m. for long stretches in winter.
"California is least affected, but go to Indiana or Michigan and the reality is harsher," Motzen said.
In Los Angeles, only 10 days a year would see late sunrises, but in South Bend, Indiana, it would be close to 150 days.
Rabbi Yosef Chaim Danziger of South Bend's Hebrew Orthodox Congregation noted that post-9 a. m.
winter sunrises would create major conflicts for working adults and students. "This change would severely disrupt Jewish morning rituals, which require the arrival of natural dawn," he wrote.
Communities rely on morning gatherings to maintain religious traditions, but leaders fear timing conflicts will force members to alter routines.
"A synagogue will struggle to gather 10 men, or it may mean that people wouldn’t be able to start their jobs or open their businesses on time," Motzen said.
Public health groups, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have also opposed the bill, recommending permanent standard time instead.
"The healthier choice for all Americans," said Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, the organization's president.
A YouGov poll found that 64 percent of Americans favor eliminating seasonal clock changes.
However, several senators remain skeptical about dark winter mornings as the Senate considers the bill.
