Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 13, 2026 —

Former President Donald Trump has publicly urged the Senate to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would establish permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST) throughout the United States. The House of Representatives recently approved the legislation, signaling a potential shift in how the nation observes time.

Trump, who previously expressed support for the concept, is now actively campaigning for its Senate passage. He has cited several purported benefits of year-round DST, including a reduction in crime and accidents, as well as increased convenience for the public.

However, the bill’s progression through the Senate is not guaranteed. It faces significant opposition from some lawmakers who have raised concerns about the implications of permanent DST. Key among these concerns are the potential for darker winter mornings, which could impact school commutes and public safety. Additionally, some senators have pointed to potential negative health effects associated with DST, citing studies that link the time change to disruptions in sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.

The historical precedent of permanent DST also looms over the current debate. When implemented nationwide in 1974, the system proved historically unpopular due to the aforementioned issues of dark winter mornings. The public reaction at the time led to a swift repeal of the year-round observance.

The future of the Sunshine Protection Act in the Senate remains uncertain as these concerns are weighed against the potential advantages promoted by its supporters. Lawmakers are expected to continue deliberations on the bill in the coming legislative sessions.



Story summarized from the original created by Chantelle Lee on time.com, see more information here.

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