Key facts
- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent.
- President Donald Trump supports the measure.
- Senator John Kennedy indicated significant opposition in the Senate.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated it is unclear if the bill has enough support to pass.
- Critics argue permanent daylight saving time would lead to later sunrises in winter, posing safety risks for children and commuters.
A bill to make daylight saving time permanent, which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support, is encountering significant resistance in the Senate. Senator John Kennedy, a Republican, stated that the legislation faces a "tough fight" and a "dog fight" to gain approval in the chamber.
President Donald Trump has called Senator Kennedy to express his support for ending the twice-yearly clock changes. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that it is unclear whether the bill will garner the necessary 60 votes for passage. Thune, who voted against advancing the measure in committee, cited concerns from senators, particularly those from northern states, about the implications of later winter sunrises.
Critics argue that making daylight saving time permanent would result in children and commuters traveling to work and school in darkness during winter mornings, echoing concerns that led to the repeal of a similar policy in the 1970s. Supporters, however, contend that it would provide more evening daylight and potentially boost economic activity. Several senators, including Tom Cotton, have voiced opposition, highlighting the potential safety risks associated with darker winter mornings.