President Trump Backed Permanent Daylight Saving Time
The president urged the Senate to pass legislation ending the biannual practice of changing clocks.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Should the federal government end the practice of changing clocks twice a year?
President Donald Trump has advocated for the adoption of permanent Daylight Saving Time, calling on the Senate to move forward with the Sunshine Protection Act. The House of Representatives previously passed the bill with support from more than 80 percent of members.
Why it matters
Proponents argue that ending the biannual clock change would reduce crime and increase afternoon time for outdoor recreation. Furthermore, supporters suggest that the current practice of adjusting clocks twice annually is both expensive and inconvenient for the public.
The Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to end the practice of changing clocks twice per year, received support from over 80 percent of the House of Representatives. A Senate vote is still required to move the legislation forward.
The players
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States who has campaigned for the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act.
Tom Cotton
Tom Cotton is a U.S. Senator from Arkansas who has been identified as a key figure preventing a Senate vote on the proposed time-change legislation.
The details
President Trump has publicly criticized Senator Tom Cotton for preventing a Senate vote on the legislation, despite the strong support it saw in the House. The current clock-changing system, which resulted in a time shift six months ago, will lead to reduced evening daylight in three weeks.
Timeline
Six months ago the most recent biannual clock change occurred.
In three weeks, as of October 3, 2026, evening daylight will be reduced.
Need to Know
The legislative effort to enact the Sunshine Protection Act mirrors recent debates over federal time-keeping policy. This push to permanently move the nation to daylight saving time marks a significant departure from the century-old standard of shifting clocks twice a year.
A federal shift to permanent Daylight Saving Time would eliminate the biannual clock change, potentially changing daily routines by keeping evening light consistent throughout the year. Citizens should monitor Senate proceedings to see if this policy move affects future seasonal time adjustments.
The takeaway
While the House has shown overwhelming support for the change, the bill currently faces a hurdle in the Senate. Residents should be prepared for the upcoming clock change in three weeks as the legislative debate continues.
Further reading
Learn more about the federal legislative process at the Legislative Policy section.
Live Poll
Should the federal government end the practice of changing clocks twice a year?
