Donald Trump Urges Senate to Pass Sunshine Protection Act

Donald Trump urged the United States Senate on August 5 to quickly pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent and eliminate twice-yearly clock changes. The president argued that the move would enhance public safety by reducing crime and car accidents, improve public health, and boost economic sectors such as tourism, retail, and restaurants. He specifically called on Republican senators to release their holds on the bill.

The legislation previously passed the House of Representatives with a 308-117 vote on July 14. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Tom Cotton have blocked the bill from reaching the floor. Opponents, particularly those representing the Midwest and agriculture-heavy states, argue that permanent daylight saving time would result in dangerously dark winter mornings for workers and students in northern and western regions.

Medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, oppose the act. While these groups agree that ending the biannual clock shift is beneficial, they advocate for permanent standard time to prevent circadian rhythm disruption and social jet lag. Because the Senate has failed to advance the legislation, most Americans will set their clocks back one hour on November 1, 2026.