Story perspectives

Trump Pushes Sunshine Protection Act for Permanent Daylight Saving

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 12:04 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump urges Congress to pass the Sunshine Protection Act for permanent daylight saving time.
The House approved the act in July 2025 with a 308-117 vote.
Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Tom Cotton warn permanent DST would darken winter school mornings, raising safety concerns.
A study estimates ending DST and moving school starts to 8:30 a.m. could add $8.6 billion by reducing sleep-deprivation errors.

History

Historical Context

In response to the 1973 oil crisis, President Richard Nixon signed the Emergency Daylight-Saving Time Energy Conservation Act, placing the United States on year-round DST starting January 6 1974 but ending the trial on October 27 1974 due to dark winter mornings. The 2025 Sunshine Protection Act, backed by former President Donald Trump, revives that energy-saving rationale as Congress again debates permanent DST.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump urges Congress to pass the Sunshine Protection Act for permanent daylight saving time.
The House approved the act in July 2025 with a 308-117 vote.
Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Tom Cotton warn permanent DST would darken winter school mornings, raising safety concerns.
A study estimates ending DST and moving school starts to 8:30 a.m. could add $8.6 billion by reducing sleep-deprivation errors.

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