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U.S. Will Fall Back on Nov. 1 After Senate Fails to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

Millions must reset manual clocks as researchers warn that year‑round daylight saving time would worsen winter morning darkness and disrupt circadian health.

Overview

  • Most of the United States will move clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, returning to standard time and giving people an extra hour of sleep overnight.
  • The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House but stalled in the Senate, so federal law under the Uniform Time Act still requires the twice‑yearly change and blocks state-only fixes.
  • Internet‑connected devices such as smartphones and laptops should update automatically, but older car clocks, stoves and many wall clocks will need to be reset by hand.
  • Medical groups and researchers argue that permanent standard time better matches human circadian rhythms, while some senators and industry groups warn that year‑round DST would leave winter mornings darker and raise safety concerns for early commuters and schoolchildren.
  • Several states have approved laws or resolutions to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but those measures cannot take effect without congressional approval, keeping the nation on a patchwork path unless Washington acts.