Story perspectives

Senate stalls Sunshine Protection Act, U.S. returns to standard time

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 3:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The United States will revert to standard time on November 1, 2026 because the Senate has not advanced the Sunshine Protection Act.
President Donald Trump posted Senator Tom Cotton’s cellphone number on social media to pressure support for the Sunshine Protection Act.
Critics, including Senator Tom Cotton, warn daylight saving would keep sunrise at 8:30 a.m. in Arkansas, endangering children walking to school.

History

Historical Context

The 1974 Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act, enacted on January 6, 1974, set year-round DST but was ended early on October 27, 1974, after the oil-crisis energy push. Today, Senator Tom Cotton and former President Donald Trump back the Sunshine Protection Act, while a congressional stall could revert the nation to standard time in November 2026.

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Story summary

The United States will revert to standard time on November 1, 2026 because the Senate has not advanced the Sunshine Protection Act.
President Donald Trump posted Senator Tom Cotton’s cellphone number on social media to pressure support for the Sunshine Protection Act.
Critics, including Senator Tom Cotton, warn daylight saving would keep sunrise at 8:30 a.m. in Arkansas, endangering children walking to school.

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