The U.S. Senate appears unlikely to pass legislation making daylight saving time permanent before the end of the year, a move that would defy former President Donald Trump and disappoint many Americans who dislike the twice-yearly clock change.
As daylight saving time ends and clocks are set back an hour, several senators are blocking the bill that would establish daylight saving time as the permanent national standard. Supporters argue that permanent daylight saving time would provide more daylight in the afternoons, when people are most active. However, opponents, particularly from some Northern states, express concerns about much later sunrises in the winter.
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., has been a vocal opponent, stating that while no one likes changing clocks, past attempts at permanent daylight saving time were repealed after Americans experienced late winter sunrises. He has drawn criticism from Trump, who has publicly advocated for permanent daylight saving time, citing benefits such as more afternoon sunlight for activities like golf and deterring criminals.
Trump has actively pushed for the change, urging Senate Republicans to pass the House bill. He recently posted on social media that the Senate is letting the bill die despite majority public support. He has also argued that changing clocks can be dangerous and that people do not want to spend time adjusting their clocks.
Despite Trump's pressure, his arguments have not swayed many senators. Cotton has stood firm, and some Republicans predict the bill will not be brought to a vote in the remaining time the Senate is in session. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., indicated that the House bill is considered a "non-starter" by Senate Republican leadership. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio expressed strong doubt about the bill's passage.
Past attempts at permanent daylight saving time have met similar challenges. In 1973, Congress temporarily enacted permanent daylight saving time during an energy crisis, but it was repealed by October of the following year due to public backlash, including concerns about children walking to school in darkness.
Recent polling suggests a strong public desire to end the clock changes. An AP-NORC poll found that only 12% of American adults favored the current system, while nearly half opposed it. Organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine also support a single, year-round time.
Some lawmakers, like Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., have actively championed year-round daylight saving time. Scott, who signed similar legislation as Florida governor, stated that Americans are tired of the twice-yearly change. He argues it is an annoyance rather than a benefit.
Democrats have also expressed support for ending the time change. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., has supported efforts to establish permanent daylight saving time, citing its impact on the economy, health, and happiness, and advocating for avoiding late afternoon sunsets in the winter.