WASHINGTON, D.C. (WGNS) - The U.S. House voted 308 to 117 on Tuesday to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, a crucial step toward making Daylight Saving Time permanent across the country. The bipartisan measure aims to eliminate the traditional twice-a-year clock rotation, which would permanently alter the daily schedules of Rutherford County residents.

The bill now heads to the Senate for approval. If it clears the upper chamber, it will head to President Donald Trump for his signature. President Trump has long criticized the semiannual clock change as a "ridiculous, twice-yearly production" and cheered Tuesday's vote, noting that keeping the clocks locked saves millions of dollars for citizens, cities, and states. Currently, 19 states, including Tennessee, have already enacted trigger laws to immediately adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time once federal approval is granted, though the bill allows states to opt out if they choose to maintain standard time.

Supporters emphasize that ending the time shift produces immediate public benefits. House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie stated Monday that locking the clock all year long positively impacts sleep schedules, energy conservation, motor vehicle safety, and the economy. Advocates add that the change encourages outdoor recreation, benefits tourism, and helps retail businesses attract customers with extended evening light.

However, the change faces pushback from several medical organizations who argue that permanent standard time is the healthier choice. Critics say standard time closely aligns with the body's natural circadian rhythms by providing more sunlight in the morning. Critics also point to a brief 1974 national experiment with year-round daylight saving time that Congress quickly abandoned after widespread public backlash.

Despite these concerns, the bill's upcoming performance in the Senate will determine if the nation finally ditches the switch.