House Passes Permanent Daylight Saving Time (308-117) and Bill Restricting Firearm Purchase Tracking (221-201)
The House of Representatives convened for a legislative session, passing four bills under suspension of the rules. Key actions included the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, which would make daylight saving time permanent, and the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, which prohibits payment card networks from using specific merchant category codes for firearm retailers. The House also passed the Common Cents Act to cease penny production and the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act to regulate acquisitions of failed banks.
This chamber-day saw the passage of several consequential measures. The Sunshine Protection Act addresses a long-standing public debate about time changes, aiming to provide more consistent evening daylight. The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act impacts financial privacy and gun violence prevention efforts by restricting how firearm purchases can be categorized. The Common Cents Act aims to reduce government spending on coin production, while the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act seeks to enhance competition and transparency in the resolution of failed financial institutions.
Sunshine Protection Act of 2025
H.R. 139Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 139, a bill to make daylight saving time permanent and repeal the temporary period for daylight saving time, while allowing states that previously opted out to maintain their standard time.
The case for
Proponents argued that ending the biannual clock change and establishing permanent daylight saving time would provide more usable daylight hours in the evening, benefiting families, small businesses, tourism, and children's outdoor activities. They cited studies suggesting improved public safety, reduced disruptions to sleep, and potential energy savings. It was noted that 19 states have already passed legislation to adopt year-round daylight saving time, indicating strong public support for ending the 'hassle' of changing clocks. The bill's sponsor, Mr. Buchanan, emphasized the economic benefits for businesses and the health benefits, including preventing strokes and reducing obesity. Mr. Soto highlighted the bill's popularity in Florida and its benefits for recreation and public health. Mr. Guthrie noted the flexibility for states like Arizona and Hawaii to maintain standard time if they choose.
The case against
Opponents, such as Ms. Dean, raised concerns that making daylight saving time permanent would repeat mistakes from 1974, when a similar experiment led to increased traffic accidents involving schoolchildren due to darker winter mornings. They argued that permanent daylight saving time disrupts natural circadian rhythms, which rely on early morning light for alertness, and is linked to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, chronic sleep deprivation, depression, and certain cancers. They cited medical and scientific organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which endorse permanent standard time as a healthier choice.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill passed the House of Representatives.
308-117
Who is affected
- American families and individuals: Would experience more consistent daily schedules and additional evening daylight, potentially improving sleep patterns, increasing opportunities for outdoor activities, and reducing health risks associated with biannual time changes.
- Small businesses and tourism industry: Could benefit from increased economic activity due to more usable evening daylight, particularly in sectors like tourism, hospitality, and recreation.
- States that have passed legislation for permanent daylight saving time: Would be able to implement their preferred time standard, as the federal law would allow for permanent daylight saving time.
Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act
H.R. 1181Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 1181, a bill to prohibit payment card networks and covered entities from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that distinguish a firearms retailer from general-merchandise or sporting-goods retailers.
The case for
Proponents argued that the bill protects financial privacy and the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by preventing the creation of a 'de facto gun registry.' They asserted that buying a firearm is not inherently suspicious activity and should not be surveilled by the government. Mr. Moore of West Virginia stated that the bill prevents an 'elitist bank partnered with a foreign, faceless bureaucracy to rob Americans of their right to protect themselves.' Mr. Jordan cited an FBI email to Bank of America requesting purchase history, including 'weapons or weapons-related purchases,' as evidence of the danger of such tracking. Mr. Barr emphasized that the bill does not interfere with existing anti-money laundering laws or suspicious activity reporting but prevents the targeting of constitutionally protected activity.
The case against
Opponents argued that the bill would make it harder to detect and investigate gun violence and acts of terrorism. Ms. Waters stated that the bill would make it 'easier for mass shooters, gun traffickers, and even terrorists to abuse our financial systems to stockpile firearms and ammunition undetected.' Mr. Thompson highlighted that financial institutions currently report suspicious transactions for other crimes like human trafficking, and this tool should be available for gun trafficking. Mr. Frost cited the Pulse nightclub shooter's large credit card purchases of guns and ammunition before the attack as an example where such codes could have provided a warning. Mr. Green of Texas argued that the right to life trumps privacy in this context, especially when no court has deemed such codes unconstitutional.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill passed the House of Representatives.
221-201
Amendments
- An amendment to add a 'Terrorism Exception' to the bill, ensuring nothing in the Act would prevent law enforcement from using merchant category codes in investigations related to acts of terrorism or suspected acts of terrorism. (Mr. Frost of Florida) — rejected [208-217]
Who is affected
- Firearm owners and retailers: Would have their financial privacy protected by preventing specific categorization of firearm-related purchases, ensuring their lawful transactions are not singled out for tracking.
- Law enforcement agencies and victims of gun violence: Opponents argue that law enforcement's ability to identify and investigate suspicious purchasing patterns that could prevent gun violence and terrorism would be hindered, potentially impacting public safety.
- States with existing laws on merchant category codes for firearm retailers (e.g., California, New York, Colorado): Their laws regulating such codes would be preempted by federal legislation, potentially altering their ability to monitor firearm-related transactions.
House Resolution 1423
H. Res. 1423Question before the chamber
Adoption of H. Res. 1423, providing for consideration of H.R. 139, H.R. 8595, H.R. 9237, and H.R. 1181, and for adding the text of S. 1383 to H.R. 8595.
The case for
Proponents argued that the rule advances legislation serving the interests of the American people, including making America stronger and safer (H.R. 8595), enhancing veterans' care (H.R. 9237), protecting financial privacy (H.R. 1181), and establishing permanent daylight saving time (H.R. 139). Ms. Foxx stated that H.R. 9237 is a comprehensive package of over 60 bipartisan bills that is fiscally responsible and supported by numerous veterans' organizations, including The American Legion, TAPS, MOAA, and Wounded Warrior Project. She emphasized that Republicans, many of whom are veterans, are focused on targeted relief and improving VA services without 'throwing money at a problem.'
The case against
Opponents argued against the rule due to concerns about the underlying bills, particularly H.R. 9237 and the inclusion of S. 1383. Mr. McGovern criticized H.R. 9237, stating it would cut disability compensation for future veterans, especially those with tinnitus and sleep apnea, to offset other benefits, calling it a 'shell game' and 'unconscionable.' He noted the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) strongly opposes these cuts and that a discharge petition exists for the Major Richard Star Act to provide benefits without cuts. He also characterized S. 1383, the SAVE America Act, as a 'disaster that will make it more difficult, if not impossible, for American citizens to vote' and 'political theater.' Ms. Dean also opposed the rule due to concerns about H.R. 139's health and safety implications.
Disposition
Agreed to · recorded vote
The resolution was adopted, setting the terms for debate and votes on the specified bills.
215-211
Who is affected
- Veterans and military families: The debate on the rule highlighted potential changes to disability compensation and healthcare services for veterans, with concerns raised about funding mechanisms that might cut benefits for some to pay for others.
- American citizens and voters: The inclusion of the SAVE America Act (S. 1383) in the rule's provisions raised concerns about its potential impact on voting rights and access to the ballot.
- Financial institutions and firearm owners: The rule enabled consideration of H.R. 1181, which impacts how firearm purchases are categorized, affecting financial privacy and potentially law enforcement's ability to track suspicious transactions.
- General public: The rule enabled consideration of H.R. 139, which would establish permanent daylight saving time, affecting daily routines, health, and economic activities across the country.
House Passes Sunshine Protection Act, Establishing Permanent Daylight Saving Time
highThe House passed H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, by a recorded vote of 308-117. This bill repeals the temporary period for daylight saving time and advances standard time to make daylight saving time permanent year-round. Proponents argued it would provide more usable evening daylight, benefiting health, tourism, small businesses, and children's outdoor activities, and noted 19 states have already passed similar legislation. Opponents raised concerns about health and safety risks from darker winter mornings, citing a failed 1974 experiment and expert medical opinions favoring permanent standard time.
House Passes Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, Restricting Firearm Retailer Categorization
highH.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, passed by a recorded vote of 221-201. This legislation prohibits payment card networks and covered entities from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that specifically distinguish firearm retailers. Proponents argued it protects financial privacy and Second Amendment rights, preventing a 'de facto gun registry.' Opponents contended it would hinder law enforcement's ability to detect and investigate gun violence and acts of terrorism, citing examples like the Pulse nightclub shooting.
Motion to Recommit Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act with Terrorism Exception Fails
mediumA motion to recommit H.R. 1181, offered by Mr. Frost of Florida, which sought to add a 'Terrorism Exception' to the bill, was rejected by a recorded vote of 208-217. The proposed amendment aimed to ensure law enforcement could use merchant category codes in investigations related to acts of terrorism or suspected acts of terrorism.
House Passes Common Cents Act to Cease Penny Production
mediumThe House passed H.R. 3074, the Common Cents Act, under suspension of the rules. This bill directs the Treasury to cease production of one-cent coins for general circulation, allows for a cheaper zinc-based nickel, and provides a uniform standard for rounding cash transactions. Proponents highlighted the significant taxpayer losses from minting pennies (costing 3.69 cents to make 1 cent) and nickels (14 cents to make 5 cents), advocating for fiscal responsibility and modernization. No opposition was aired in the Record.
House Passes Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act
mediumH.R. 6556, the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act, passed under suspension of the rules. This bipartisan bill restricts when federal regulators can waive concentration limits for mergers involving failed banks, requiring a determination of necessity to prevent significant economic disruption and the absence of other qualified bids. It also mandates transparency reports to Congress. Proponents argued it promotes competition and transparency in bank resolutions, preventing megabanks from dominating the process. No opposition was aired in the Record.
Rule Adopted for Consideration of Four Measures, Including Controversial Veterans and Voter Bills
highThe House adopted H. Res. 1423 by a recorded vote of 215-211, setting the terms for considering H.R. 139, H.R. 8595, H.R. 9237, and H.R. 1181. The rule also provided for the Clerk to add the text of S. 1383, the SAVE America Act, to H.R. 8595 upon passage. Debate on the rule highlighted strong opposition to H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, due to concerns about funding benefits by cutting other veterans' disability compensation, and to the SAVE America Act, which opponents characterized as a voter suppression bill.