Trump Calls on Senate to Advance Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill After House Passage

President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for swift Senate action on legislation that would eliminate the twice-yearly clock adjustments and establish permanent daylight saving time across the nation. The president’s intervention followed the House of Representatives’ decisive 308-117 passage of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would grant states the authority to maintain daylight saving time year-round without reverting to standard time.

In a posting on Truth Social, Trump characterized the current system as burdensome and unnecessary, stating that Americans have long sought to end the semiannual clock changes. He contended that the adjustment process imposes significant financial and logistical costs on municipalities and remote areas, while creating widespread inconvenience for the general population.

The president anchored his argument in three main policy areas: economic stimulation through extended evening daylight hours, public safety improvements including reduced crime rates and fewer vehicle accidents, and health benefits ranging from decreased depression to lower cardiac risk. Trump also cited research suggesting that permanent daylight saving time would strengthen tourism, retail, and restaurant sectors while lowering household energy expenses.

Although the House passed the bill with backing from both parties, the Senate has not yet scheduled a vote, and passage prospects remain unclear due to opposition from lawmakers representing agricultural and Midwestern states. Trump specifically urged Republican senators to release procedural holds blocking floor consideration of the measure.

An AP-NORC poll conducted in December showed only 12% of Americans favor the current system of biannual clock changes, with nearly 50% opposing it. Most states already observe daylight saving time, though Hawaii and much of Arizona maintain year-round standard time.