Americans forced to change clocks again as Senate stalls Trump-backed daylight saving time bill
Americans turned their clocks back an hour as Congress failed to agree on legislation that could end the twice-yearly time change. The Senate has not advanced the Sunshine Protection Act, despite pressure from President Donald Trump and broad support for the bill in the House.
The House passed the measure 307 to 117 in July, allowing states to choose permanent daylight saving time. Opponents, including Senator Tom Cotton, warn that winter mornings would be darker, while supporters say lighter evenings would benefit families, businesses and community safety. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says there is no clear path or consensus, and the chamber faces a crowded schedule after the election.
In short
- Americans turned clocks back as the bill stalled.
- The House passed the measure 307 to 117.
- Senate opposition and limited floor time remain obstacles.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that ending the clock changes would spare people the disruption to sleep and routines that comes with shifting the clocks twice a year. Keeping daylight saving time year-round would also provide more light in the evening, which they say could help families, businesses and community activities.
The case against
Opponents argue that permanent daylight saving time would leave winter mornings darker, affecting children travelling to school and people commuting to work. They may also see the Senate’s lack of consensus and crowded schedule as reasons not to advance a change without broader agreement about which time arrangement best serves the country.
Explained simply
The United States has two main clock settings: standard time in winter and daylight saving time in warmer months. Under the current system, clocks move forward in spring and back in autumn, though some states and territories do not observe the changes.
The Sunshine Protection Act would let states adopt daylight saving time year-round, rather than switching between the two settings. The House of Representatives has passed the bill, but it also needs Senate approval and the president’s signature to become law.
Supporters say keeping the later summer setting would mean more daylight in the evening for families, businesses and community activities. Opponents, including Senator Tom Cotton, argue that it would leave winter mornings darker; Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said senators have not reached agreement.