Last week, the US House passed a bill to implement permanent Daylight Saving Time nationwide with notable bipartisan support. However, it is likely to encounter significant resistance in the Senate, where a prominent Republican senator cautioned that the legislation may not “see the light of day.”
Here’s what we can anticipate moving forward:
Opposition from Some Republicans to Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas stands out as a leading critic of the transition to year-round Daylight Saving Time, committing to obstruct any attempts by supporters to expedite the bill’s approval through a method known as unanimous consent, which necessitates agreement from all 100 senators for a swift vote.
Many other senators share Cotton’s opposition, expressing concerns that a delayed sunrise could jeopardize the safety of children commuting to school in darkness.
Republican leadership is likely to be cautious about dedicating valuable time on the Senate floor to an issue that may not garner the necessary 60 votes for advancement.
Senator Steve Daines of Montana remarked to USdaily that there could be sufficient dissent, especially from Western states like his own, adding, “I don’t think, to use a pun, it’ll see the light of day” in the Senate.
“I understand why Florida appreciates it for tee times during certain seasons, but it’s not as feasible for parents putting their kids on school buses when sunrise in Western Montana would be at 9:30 in the morning. It’s simply not practical for us,” Daines stated.
Detractors assert that the time change could pose risks not only to school-aged children but also to workers—such as construction teams, farmers, and factory employees—who would need to start their shifts in the dark.
Senator Chuck Grassley from Iowa shared with USdaily, “I can express my personal views, and they don’t necessarily reflect how I’ll vote, but I find it frustrating each time I change my clock.”
“I haven’t received any feedback from my constituents regarding this issue, so I can’t provide a definitive stance,” he added, indicating that he remains undecided about the implementation of permanent Daylight Saving Time.
Senator Rick Scott from Florida is actively advocating for the bill’s passage, mentioning that he has engaged with the White House and fellow Republicans to rally support for the legislation.
“This was a bill I enacted when I served as governor… So I am quite determined… We want Daylight Saving. I’m on it,” he stated.
He further expressed, “So I’m hopeful that it will pass.”
Statements from Senate GOP Leaders Regarding the Bill
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota did not dismiss the possibility of bringing the bill to a vote when questioned by reporters last week, despite having previously opposed a similar initiative for year-round Daylight Saving Time.
He informed reporters at the Capitol that he believes the House bill offers flexibility for states that prefer to maintain permanent standard time. The legislation permits states to refrain from adopting Daylight Saving Time as long as they establish permanent standard time before it takes effect. Residents of Hawaii, much of Arizona, and various US territories already observe permanent standard time.
“I believe the key issue is that states have the option, and as I understand it, that’s included in the House bill. I just don’t think we want to impose a mandate, as that was attempted before and subsequently repealed,” he remarked. “We’re considering it. The House had a significant vote. There’s considerable interest among our members on this issue, with some in favor and others against.”
When asked if the bill could achieve the requisite 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, Thune responded that “that remains uncertain.” He added, “That’s not a topic we have thoroughly examined yet.”
When probed about his potential support for the measure, Thune only mentioned that he comes from a “northern” climate and previously opposed a comparable bill when it was presented in the Senate Commerce committee last April.
Congressional History with the Issue
Congress has previously attempted to establish permanent Daylight Saving Time. In the 1970s, during an energy crisis, a measure was adopted but was quickly reversed due to widespread unpopularity.
In 2022, senators successfully passed a version of a Daylight Saving Time bill through rapid action on the floor, encountering no objections from their peers. However, it did not receive a vote in the House.
Cotton later disclosed that he would have obstructed that initiative and pledged to resist any future attempts to swiftly pass similar legislation on the floor.
In 2025, a bipartisan group of senators sought unanimous consent to enact year-round daylight saving, but their efforts were hindered by Cotton.
