US President Donald Trump is pressuring Congress to make daylight saving time permanent, ending the twice-yearly clock change known in Spanish as horario de verano. The push intensified in late 2025 and early 2026. A federal bill to lock in summer time remains stalled.
The core issue is whether the United States will stop changing clocks. Trump has publicly urged support for permanent daylight saving time. Opposition from key Republicans is blocking progress.
What Is Daylight Saving Time and Why Does the US Change Clocks Twice a Year
Daylight saving time moves clocks forward one hour in spring and back one hour in fall. The practice extends evening daylight. The US observes DST from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
History of DST in the US and Current Federal Law
The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized DST nationwide. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended DST by four weeks. Federal law allows states to opt out of DST, but not to adopt permanent DST without Congressional approval.
Health, Safety and Economic Arguments For and Against Permanent DST
Supporters cite more evening light for retail and recreation. Critics cite health risks from later sunrises in winter.
| Category | Arguments for Permanent DST | Arguments against Permanent DST |
|---|---|---|
| Health | More morning daylight may reduce Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms | Later sunrise linked to sleep loss and increased cardiovascular events |
| Safety | More daylight in evening reduces traffic accidents | Dark mornings increase pedestrian and school bus risks |
| Economic | Extended evening shopping hours boost retail sales | Energy savings from DST are minimal under modern usage patterns |
Trump Campaign to End Clock Changes in 2025-2026
Trump revived the permanent DST campaign in 2025. The White House framed the issue as an end to a biannual disruption.
White House Statement and Public Pressure for Permanent Summer Time
The administration issued statements supporting permanent horario de verano. Officials argued the change benefits families and businesses. No executive order can enact the change alone.
Key Federal Legislation: Sunshine Protection Act Status
The Sunshine Protection Act would make DST permanent nationwide. The bill passed the Senate in 2022 with bipartisan support. It has not passed the House and remains pending in 2026.
The Rick Scott Standoff and the Phone Number Controversy
Senator Rick Scott of Florida opposes permanent DST. Trump publicly targeted Scott over the opposition.
Why Senator Rick Scott Opposes Permanent DST for Florida Schools
Scott argues permanent DST would force Florida children to wait for school buses in darkness. He cites sunrise times in winter months for northern Florida. He has pledged to block the bill.
Trump Posts Senator Phone Number and Calls for Public Pressure
Trump published Senator Rick Scott’s phone number on social media. The post urged supporters to call and demand support for permanent DST. The move drew media coverage and ethics questions.
Republican Divide on Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Support for permanent DST is split within the GOP. Some Republicans back the change for economic reasons. Others align with Scott on school safety concerns.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Coverage focused on the phone number incident and the legislative deadlock.
Social Media Response to Trump Publishing Legislative Contact
Posts about the phone number generated high engagement. Commentators criticized the tactic as pressure. Supporters said it reflects direct democracy.
Polling on American Support for Permanent DST vs Standard Time
Polls show majority support for ending clock changes. Preference is split between permanent DST and permanent standard time. Support for permanent DST is higher in southern states.
State Level Actions and Current Exceptions
Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe DST. Several states have passed resolutions urging permanent DST.
States Already Opting Out or Pushing for Permanent DST
Florida passed a state law in 2018 to adopt permanent DST pending federal approval. California and other states have similar measures. No state can implement permanent DST without federal consent.
What Happens If the Bill Fails
Clock changes will continue in 2026 and beyond. The spring forward and fall back schedule remains in effect. States remain limited to opt-out only.
What to Expect Next and How It Affects You
Congressional action is expected in 2026. The outcome depends on House leadership and Senate votes.
Timeline for Congressional Vote in 2026
A House vote on the Sunshine Protection Act is anticipated in early 2026. Senate consideration would follow. No date has been confirmed.
How to Prepare for Potential Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Consumers should monitor official announcements. Devices that auto-update clocks will adjust automatically. Manual clocks will require one final change if the law passes.
FAQ
Will the US stop changing the clocks soon
No. The federal law has not changed. Clock changes will continue until Congress passes and the President signs a law.
Is daylight saving time permanent in 2026
No. Permanent DST is not in effect in 2026. Legislation remains pending.
Which senator is blocking permanent DST
Senator Rick Scott of Florida is publicly opposing the Sunshine Protection Act. He cites school safety concerns.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is horario de verano?
- A: Horario de verano is Spanish for daylight saving time, the practice of moving clocks forward one hour in spring and back in fall to extend evening daylight.
- Q: Why is Donald Trump pushing to make daylight saving time permanent?
- A: Trump argues permanent daylight saving time would provide more evening daylight for retail, recreation and public safety, and he is pressuring Congress to end the twice-yearly clock change.
- Q: Can a US state adopt permanent daylight saving time on its own?
- A: No. Federal law under the Uniform Time Act allows states to opt out of DST, but adopting permanent DST requires Congressional approval.
- Q: When does the US currently observe daylight saving time?
- A: The US observes DST from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Extended Reading
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Reference material: Univision N+ on Trump pushing to make horario de verano permanent; ExpressNews on Trump urging calls to a senator for permanent DST support; CNN Español on Trump publishing a Republican legislator’s phone number in the DST dispute.