Senate Weighs Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill as Support Remains Uncertain

The U.S. Senate is reviewing legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it remains uncertain whether the proposal has enough support to pass the chamber.

The bill, which cleared the House of Representatives in a bipartisan 308-117 vote, would end the long-standing practice of changing clocks twice a year. To become law, the measure must secure at least 60 votes in the Senate before reaching President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly voiced strong support for ending seasonal clock changes.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Thune said lawmakers remain divided over the proposal. "We're looking at it," the South Dakota Republican said, noting that opinions within his party vary. He added that he previously voted against the measure in committee, citing concerns related to states with northern climates.

If approved, the legislation would keep the United States on daylight saving time throughout the year, eliminating the annual return to standard time each November. States that do not currently observe daylight saving time, or those that had previously adopted permanent standard time, would still have the option to opt out under the bill.

Supporters argue that ending the twice-yearly clock changes would improve public health by reducing sleep disruption, lowering workplace injuries, and decreasing traffic accidents. They also contend that more evening daylight during winter months could encourage consumer spending and benefit local businesses.

Opponents, including Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, warn that permanent daylight saving time would delay winter sunrises, leaving children, commuters, farmers, and construction workers traveling in darkness for longer periods. In some northern regions, sunrise could occur close to 9 a.m. during the winter.

The United States previously observed year-round daylight saving time during World War II and briefly reinstated it in 1974 in response to the energy crisis. However, the policy proved unpopular, prompting Congress to repeal it later that same year. The latest legislation revives the debate over whether permanent daylight saving time offers more benefits than drawbacks.