Full Breakdown
Trump Pushes Senate to Pass Permanent Daylight-Saving Time Bill
By Drooid · · How we work
Legislative Push and Current Status
The House approved the Sunshine Protection Act on July 14 with a bipartisan 308-117 vote. The measure would keep the United States on daylight-saving time (DST) year-round, eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes. President Donald Trump used Truth Social to urge Senate Republicans to move the bill forward, accusing Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) of blocking it. The bill remains in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, with no vote scheduled.
Historical Background
Daylight-saving time was first enacted in 1918 as a fuel-saving measure during World War I and became federal law under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. In response to the 1973 oil crisis, Congress passed the Emergency Daylight-Saving Time Energy Conservation Act, placing most of the country on year-round DST beginning January 6, 1974. Dark winter mornings generated backlash, and the policy was repealed that fall.
Key Figures
- Tom Cotton – Republican senator from Arkansas; warns permanent DST would leave many commuting in darkness.
- John Thune – Senate Majority Leader (R-SD); doubts the bill can secure the 60 votes needed.
- Karin Johnson – spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine; says permanent DST misaligns with circadian biology.
- Rabbi A.D. Motzen – senior rabbi of Agudath Israel of America; cites difficulties for observant Jews.
Data & Statistics
- House vote: 308-117 in favor (July 14).
- State actions: Nineteen states have passed laws to adopt permanent DST, but they cannot take effect without federal authorization.
- Public opinion: YouGov polls reported 64 % and 62 % support; a Gallup poll in January 2025 showed 54 % in favor.
Official Statements & Responses
Sleep-medicine experts, represented by Johnson, argue that year-round DST would keep the body’s internal clock out of sync with natural light cycles, potentially harming health. Rabbi Motzen notes that sunrise-dependent prayer times would be jeopardized. The ski industry has voiced opposition, citing safety concerns for early-morning lift operations.
Criticism & Opposition
- Winter darkness: Cotton emphasizes delayed sunrise as a safety risk for schoolchildren.
- Health concerns: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports permanent standard time for circadian alignment.
- Religious impact: Agudath Israel warns permanent DST would make morning prayers “extraordinarily difficult.”
- Economic sectors: Ski resort operators argue later sunrises would shorten the ski day and hurt winter tourism.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Public support figures vary across polls (64 % vs. 62 % vs. 54 %), reflecting different dates and methodologies. No Senate vote date has been announced, and the Senate’s current recess leaves the timeline uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A ridiculous Clock changing process that takes place twice a year, costs our Country a fortune, is bad for Crime, stress on people, Sports, and just about everything else you can imagine,” — President Trump
- “Republicans in the Senate have to get moving on what I call the ‘No More Changing of Clocks Act,’ officially known as The Sunshine Protection Act,” — President Trump
- “ "People are sick and tired of having to change their clocks twice a year," Trump wrote, arguing permanent daylight saving time would reduce traffic accidents, lower crime, save energy and give families more daylight in the evening.” — President Trump
What’s Next
The Senate recess began in early October and will extend into November, overlapping the November 1 deadline when clocks would normally fall back to standard time. Unless the Sunshine Protection Act is passed and signed after the Senate reconvenes, the United States will observe the customary clock change on that date. Congress is slated to adjourn in mid-December, creating a narrow window for enactment.