Legislation aiming to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent in the U.S. has recently gained momentum, passing through the House Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a larger transportation funding package. President Trump has publicly endorsed the plan, stating on Truth Social that it is time to stop changing clocks and that permanent DST would be a "WIN for the Republican Party."
However, several groups, including many health experts, are opposed to making DST permanent. Orthodox Jewish organizations, such as Agudath Israel of America, are raising specific concerns. Rabbi A. D. Motzen, national director of government affairs for Agudath Israel, explained that permanent DST would lead to significantly later sunrises during winter months, potentially after 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. in many parts of the U.S.
This later sunrise poses a dual threat to their religious practices and community safety. Motzen stated that Jewish law requires morning prayers and associated rituals to be performed at specific times, generally shortly before sunrise. A later sunrise would necessitate later synagogue services, making it difficult for congregants to commute to work on time. He also noted that the concern for schoolchildren's safety during darker winter mornings, which fueled pushback against permanent DST in the 1970s, remains relevant.
Agudath Israel, along with the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America, previously expressed similar concerns in 2022. Motzen indicated they are actively educating members of Congress about these religious implications. While advocating against permanent DST, Motzen clarified that his organization is not necessarily pushing for permanent standard time either, but rather asking policymakers to consider the effects of both options and the status quo, emphasizing a desire to avoid "artificially dark winter mornings."
An alternative proposal, the Daylight Act of 2026, would implement a "half-daylight saving time" by shifting clocks forward by only 30 minutes permanently. However, Motzen stated that this proposal is also not supported by his group, as it would further complicate time zones.
The House has yet to vote on the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, which contains the DST legislation. Under the proposed Sunshine Protection Act, states not exempting themselves would be locked into the time observed between March and November. Hawaii and most of Arizona are expected to remain exempt, as they currently observe year-round standard time. Nineteen states have already passed legislation to make DST permanent, pending congressional approval.
