Trump urges Senate Republicans to pass permanent daylight saving bill

Former US President Donald Trump renewed his push today for the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent and end the twice-yearly clock changes. He called on Republican senators to drop their objections that have stalled the bill in the Senate and to pass it "as soon as possible."

In a post, Trump said, "The vast majority of Americans have demanded for years to make daylight saving time permanent, and no administration has succeeded—until now." He proudly announced that the House of Representatives had approved the bill, which now awaits final Senate approval, adding that people "are tired of changing their clocks twice a year... It's a foolish, annoying, and in some cases, very costly practice."

Trump outlined what he described as the benefits of an extra hour of evening daylight, including lower rates of burglary, homicide, and car accidents—especially those involving pedestrians—reduced risks of heart disease, strokes, and seasonal depression, as well as boosts for sports, tourism, and restaurant sectors, and energy bill savings. He concluded, "This is an issue that unites Republicans, Democrats, and independents. I urge Republican senators to lift their holds and allow the bill to pass."

Why is Trump addressing his own party?

The House approved the bill in mid-July by a vote of 308 to 117, with opposition from 22 Republicans and 95 Democrats. The measure then moved to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. A previous Senate version stalled after Republican Senator Tom Cotton objected to fast-track approval, warning of negative consequences in areas where the sun would not rise before 9 a.m., leading to dark and potentially dangerous commutes and school mornings.

Ironically, the Senate unanimously passed the bill in 2022, but it failed in the House at that time—meaning the two chambers have traded roles in blocking it. The legislation, introduced by Republican Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida, would keep the country on its current daylight saving schedule from March to November, while allowing states to opt out before it takes effect. Nearly 20 states have already passed laws to adopt permanent daylight saving time as soon as Congress gives its approval.