H.R. 9638 proposes to establish standard time as the permanent time across the United States, allowing states the option to choose to observe daylight saving time if they prefer. This means that most states would no longer change their clocks twice a year and would remain on standard time year-round, while states that opt for daylight saving time could still adjust their clocks accordingly.
Supporters of H.R. 9638 argue that making standard time permanent could lead to various benefits, including improved health outcomes due to better sleep patterns, reduced energy consumption, and increased safety during evening hours. Many advocates express enthusiasm over the potential for a more consistent schedule that could enhance productivity and well-being.
Critics of H.R. 9638 raise concerns that permanent standard time may not align with the natural daylight patterns, especially in northern states where winter days are shorter. Some argue that it could lead to darker mornings, which might negatively impact children's safety on their way to school and overall public safety. Additionally, there are worries about the disruption to existing schedules and the economic implications for industries reliant on daylight hours.
The analysis of H.R. 9638, sponsored by Mary Scanlon, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donor industries. The primary donor industries are Health Professionals, contributing $240 million, and Retired individuals, contributing $75 million. Since the bill pertains to standard time and daylight saving time, it does not relate to the interests of these donor industries, suggesting a low likelihood of conflicts of interest. Voters should be aware that while campaign contributions can influence legislative priorities, in this case, the lack of overlap indicates minimal risk of undue influence from donors on this specific bill.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AVIS BUDGET GROUP, INC. | AVIS BUDGET GROUP, INC. | $240,000 |
| TUNGSTEN MINING NL | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $120,000 |
| NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $80,000 |
| LEARN ALLIANCE (INFORMAL COALITION) | CAPITOL TAX PARTNERS, LLP | $40,000 |
| FRAYM | CASSIDY & ASSOCIATES, INC. | $40,000 |
| VIEGA LLC | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $30,000 |
| GLOBAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS | GLOBAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS | $30,000 |
| ML STRATEGIES, LLC (ON BEHALF OF DAIKIN U.S. CORPORATION) | PLURUS STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| LIBERTY MUTUAL GROUP INC. | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $30,000 |
| SONOVA USA. INC. | AMERICAN CAPITOL GROUP | $30,000 |
| THE MCKEON GROUP INC. (ON BEHALF OF D-WAVE GOVERNMENT INC.) | PLURUS STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| ML STRATEGIES, LLC (ON BEHALF OF PRICESMART, INC.) | PLURUS STRATEGIES, LLC | $20,000 |
| NLMK PENNSYLVANIA | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $10,000 |
| THE CORMAC GROUP, ON BEHALF OF TENDO | AMERICAN CAPITOL GROUP | undisclosed |
| AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE (API) | KELLER AND HECKMAN, LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Mary Scanlon, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
