The long-running debate over Daylight Saving Time has returned to the national spotlight, with President Donald Trump pushing Congress to make the time change permanent.
The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House of Representatives in July by a bipartisan 308–117 vote. The legislation would end the twice-yearly practice of changing clocks and keep most of the United States on Daylight Saving Time year-round.
However, the proposal has run into strong opposition in the Senate. One of its most outspoken critics is Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who argues that permanent Daylight Saving Time would leave children and commuters traveling in darkness during winter mornings.
Trump vs. Tom Cotton
The disagreement became particularly heated this week. Trump publicly urged Arkansas residents to pressure Cotton to support the bill and even shared what he said was the senator’s phone number.
Trump argues that Americans would benefit from having more daylight in the afternoon and evening. He has pointed to recreational activities, sports, businesses and public safety as reasons to eliminate the clock changes.
Cotton, however, maintains that Americans may regret permanent Daylight Saving Time once they experience extremely late winter sunrises.
What Happens Next?
For now, the legislation is stalled in the Senate. The Senate has already adjourned until after the November 3 midterm elections, making action before the election unlikely.
The debate is not simply about whether Americans want to stop changing their clocks. Public opinion shows considerable support for ending the twice-yearly switch, but Americans remain divided over which time should become permanent.
Under the proposed legislation, Daylight Saving Time would become permanent, although states could choose to remain on permanent Standard Time under certain conditions.
For now, Americans should still expect the clocks to fall back one hour on November 1, 2026, as scheduled under current law.
The battle continues: more daylight in the evening, or more daylight in the morning? That is the central question Congress must ultimately answer.
