Senate Debate Over Permanent Daylight-Saving Time Raises Safety and Economic Questions

The House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act on July 19, 2026, with a 308-117 vote, moving the measure to the Senate. The bill would eliminate the twice-yearly clock change, keeping the United States on daylight-saving time year-round. States could still opt out if they do not currently observe daylight saving. The Senate previously approved a version of the act by unanimous consent in 2022, but it never reached a House vote. President Donald Trump has publicly advocated for permanent daylight-saving time, citing potential tourism benefits for Florida.

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Opponents argue that permanent daylight-saving time would push sunrise later in winter, leaving many schoolchildren traveling in darkness. Senators from northern states and those representing districts with early school start times warn that buses could be loading before sunrise, increasing risks for students and commuters. The issue has been highlighted as a key factor in the Senate’s uncertain path to the 60-vote threshold needed for passage.

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Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) acknowledged President Trump’s request for his support but described the Senate fight as “a dog fight.” Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) expressed mixed feelings, noting personal discomfort with clock changes and emphasizing the safety of children riding dark-lit school buses. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) remains undecided, citing insufficient data on agricultural and school-system impacts in West Virginia and stressing the need to protect children’s safety.

Capito raises child safety concerns with permanent Daylight Saving Time bill

Proponents claim that eliminating clock changes would reduce sleep disruption, workplace injuries, and road accidents while extending evening daylight for winter tourism and commerce. Critics counter that later sunrise could hinder agricultural schedules and construction work that depend on early daylight, especially in northern states where sunrise may not occur until 9 a.m. during the winter solstice.

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• “If we eliminate changing our clocks, in certain areas of the country—particularly in the northern parts of our states of Montana, Minnesota, and even Illinois and Michigan—our kids are going to be going to school in total darkness,” — Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Republican

Capito raises child safety concerns with permanent Daylight Saving Time bill

• “I know the president is in favor of it, and I think that’s because Florida very much would like the benefit of having more sunlight at certain points of the day for the tourism industry,” — Senator Shelley Moore Capito

Capito raises child safety concerns with permanent Daylight Saving Time bill

• “I’m undecided as to what I would do because I just don’t have a good feel for the heavy impacts on agriculture and school systems in West Virginia, but I don’t want to do something that would endanger the safety of our children as they’re going to school or coming home from school,” — Senator Shelley Moore Capito

Capito raises child safety concerns with permanent Daylight Saving Time bill

• “It's going to be a dog fight,” — Senator John Kennedy, Republican

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• “I feel it every time we change the clocks,” — Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat

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• “putting kids on the bus in the elementary school when it's still dark in the morning. I appreciate the safety concerns.” — Senator Jeanne Shaheen

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