Clock change deadline approaches as November 1 standard time shift nears
Clock change occurs November 1 as Senate debates permanent daylight saving time legislation.
Event / Politics
Sunshine Protection Act Senate Debate
The Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, has passed the House with bipartisan support but faces opposition in the Senate. President Trump publicly pressured Senator Tom Cotton and other Republicans to support the measure, citing public polling showing 64% approval, though sleep medicine experts warn of health concerns.
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2026-10-04 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 4 Oct, 00:18 UTC
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What happened
Sleep medicine experts warn permanent daylight saving time contradicts human biology
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has opposed permanent daylight saving time, praising an alternative bill that would establish permanent standard time instead. Sleep medicine experts argue that permanent DST would leave clocks "out of sync with our biology year-round" by shifting light later into the day and reducing morning sunlight exposure, which is essential for regulating sleep and alertness.
Trump advocates for permanent daylight saving time as key policy priority
President Trump has made eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes a priority, rebranding the Sunshine Protection Act as the "No More Changing of Clocks Act." He has argued that permanent daylight saving time would benefit public health, reduce crime and traffic accidents, boost economic activity, and provide additional daylight for recreational and professional activities like golf tournaments, farming, and hunting.
Senate Commerce Committee advances Sunshine Protection Act despite Republican opposition
Several Republican senators voted against advancing the Sunshine Protection Act in the Senate Commerce Committee, including Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Ted Budd of North Carolina, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Tim Sheehy of Montana, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and Todd Young of Indiana. Democratic opponents included Lisa Blunt Rochester, Tammy Duckworth, Amy Klobuchar, Gary Peters, and Jacky Rosen.
Majority of Americans support eliminating twice-yearly clock changes
According to a YouGov survey conducted in February, 64 percent of Americans said they would like to eliminate changing clocks twice a year, while just 16 percent opposed ending the practice, indicating broad public support for ending the tradition.
House passes Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent
The House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act in July 2026 with a bipartisan vote of 308-117. The bill would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and establish permanent daylight saving time nationwide. The legislation was then sent to the Senate for consideration.
Sen. Tom Cotton opposes permanent daylight saving time legislation
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has opposed the Sunshine Protection Act, arguing that permanent daylight saving time would create dangerously dark winter mornings. Cotton has cited past failed attempts at permanent DST in the 1970s, when the policy was repealed after public backlash over late winter sunrises. He contends that Arkansas children would go to school before sunrise and expressed concern that winter sunrises could occur after 8 a.m. in some parts of Arkansas.
Senate majority leader questions whether permanent daylight saving time can secure 60 votes
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, has expressed skepticism about the Sunshine Protection Act's viability, questioning whether the measure can attract the 60 votes necessary to advance in the Senate. With the Senate in recess until after midterm elections, the legislation faces significant procedural and political obstacles.
Americans set to change clocks back to standard time on November 1
Under current law, Americans are scheduled to turn their clocks back one hour on November 1, 2026, returning to standard time. This clock change will occur unless Congress passes the Sunshine Protection Act before the deadline.
Trump posts Sen. Tom Cotton's cellphone number on Truth Social
President Donald Trump published Senator Tom Cotton's personal cellphone number on Truth Social on Saturday morning, urging supporters to call the Arkansas Republican to pressure him into supporting the Sunshine Protection Act. Trump identified Cotton as "a friend of mine" while simultaneously calling on constituents to contact him directly about the legislation. When contacted, the phone number's voicemail was full.
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2 alternative perspectives
Sleep experts warn permanent daylight saving contradicts biology
Sleep experts warn permanent daylight saving time contradicts human circadian biology and sleep needs.
Trump prioritizes permanent daylight saving time as legislative push continues
Trump prioritizes permanent daylight saving time as Senate debates the Sunshine Protection Act.
Senate faces uncertainty on permanent daylight saving time push
Senate uncertain permanent daylight saving time bill can reach 60-vote threshold despite House passage.