Overview
- President Donald Trump urged Republican senators on Tuesday to lift procedural holds and clear the Sunshine Protection Act so the Senate can vote on making daylight saving time permanent.
- The House approved the measure in July by a 308‑117 vote and sent the bill to the Senate for final action.
- The Senate has not taken up the measure and its prospects are uncertain because opponents in both parties and the 60‑vote filibuster rule could block passage.
- Supporters point to studies they say show fewer evening crimes, fewer car accidents, and economic benefits for tourism and retail while medical groups and some lawmakers warn that later winter sunrises could harm children’s safety, disrupt sleep and complicate farming schedules.
- About 19 states have laws ready to adopt year‑round daylight saving if Congress approves the change and the nation’s prior 1974 experiment with permanent daylight saving is often cited by critics as evidence of potential backlash.