Daylight Saving Time bill faces strong opposition from some Senate Republicans
Daylight Saving Time Bill Faces Senate Hurdles Despite House Approval
Earthguardiansonline.com – The Daylight Saving Time bill faces significant resistance in the Senate after the House of Representatives voted last week in a bipartisan manner to establish year-round daylight saving time nationwide. While the legislation has momentum, one prominent Republican senator cautioned that it may not “see the light of day” before the chamber. Here is what stakeholders need to know about the legislative path ahead.
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas stands as one of the most vocal critics of permanent daylight saving time. He has committed to blocking any attempts by supporters to fast-track the legislation through unanimous consent—a procedure requiring all 100 senators to agree to an expedited vote. Several other senators share Cotton’s concerns, warning that later sunrises could put children at risk during their morning commutes to school.
“I don’t think, to use a pun, it’ll see the light of day” on the Senate floor, said Sen. Steve Daines of Montana. “I can see where Florida likes it for tee times at certain times of the year, but it doesn’t work so well for moms and dads putting kids on buses when the sunrise in Western Montana wouldn’t be ’till 9:30 in the morning.”
Opponents argue the transition would affect more than just students. Workers in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing would also need to report to their jobs before sunrise. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa shared his personal frustration with the biannual clock change, telling CNN, “I’m irritated every time I change my clock.” Though he has not heard much from constituents on the issue, Grassley remains undecided on whether the nation should adopt permanent daylight saving time.
On the other side, Florida Sen. Rick Scott is actively championing the legislation. He has held discussions with the White House and fellow Republicans to build support. “It was a bill I passed when I was governor … So I’m very adamant… We want Daylight Saving. I’m working it,” Scott said. He expressed optimism that the measure will ultimately succeed.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota declined to rule out bringing the bill to a vote, despite previously opposing a similar initiative. He noted that the House version offers states flexibility to maintain permanent standard time if they choose. “I think the main concern is that there’s optionality for states, and my understanding is that’s in the House bill,” Thune explained. “I just don’t think we want a mandate and that was tried once before and repealed.”
Residents in Hawaii, much of Arizona, and several U.S. territories already observe permanent standard time. Thune emphasized that Congress has experimented with this policy before. During the 1970s energy crisis, lawmakers briefly adopted permanent daylight saving time but quickly reversed course due to public backlash. More recently, in 2022, senators passed a similar measure through swift action, though it never received a House floor vote.
Cotton later disclosed that he would have blocked the 2022 effort as well. In 2025, a bipartisan group attempted to pass year-round daylight saving time via unanimous consent but was thwarted by his objection. When reporters asked Thune whether the current bill could secure the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster, he replied, “That remains to be seen.” He added that the issue has not been thoroughly explored yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Daylight Saving Time bill?
The House has approved year-round daylight saving time, but the Daylight Saving Time bill faces opposition in the Senate, particularly from Republicans concerned about early morning darkness for children and workers.
Which senators are leading the opposition?
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Sen. Steve Daines of Montana are among the most prominent critics, citing concerns about school commutes and regional differences in sunrise times.
Can states opt out of the new system?
Yes. The legislation allows states to maintain permanent standard time if they adopt it before the federal change takes effect, providing flexibility for regions like Hawaii and Arizona.
Has Congress tried this before?
Yes. In the 1970s, Congress briefly adopted permanent daylight saving time during an energy crisis but reversed course. A 2022 Senate effort also failed to advance without a House vote.
