Senate Republicans block Trump's daylight saving time push

Only 12% of American adults support the current system of changing clocks twice a year, according to an AP-NORC poll from last year. Despite that data and aggressive pressure from the White House, the Senate is not moving to make daylight saving time permanent before the year ends. The House passed the bill, but Senate leaders are letting it stall.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded action. Earlier this month, he posted his personal cellphone number on social media and ordered Senator Tom Cotton to get it done. Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, is a key blocker. He argues that Congress has tried permanent daylight saving time before and repealed it because of late winter sunrises. Trump countered that criminals dislike working in the light and that afternoon sunshine is better.

Other Republicans are joining Cotton in opposition. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota said the change would send kids to school in the dark. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio was blunt when asked if the bill would pass soon, answering, “No way.” Senator Todd Young of Indiana described the House bill as a non-starter for his party's leadership in the Senate. Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota has not commented publicly on this specific bill, though he has voted against similar measures in the past.

Supporters argue the change provides more daylight during active afternoon hours. Senator Rick Scott of Florida has led efforts to make the shift permanent. He said Americans are tired of the unnecessary practice. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts agreed, noting the ritual impacts the economy, health, and happiness. He called for goodbye to 4 p.m. winter sunsets.

The 1973 energy crisis led Congress to pass a law for permanent daylight saving time. It was repealed by October that year as public support dropped. Many Americans now forget that experiment. The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine support a single time standard.

The Senate returns to Washington after the Nov. 3 midterm election. Republican leaders predict the bill will not come up for a vote in the short time remaining. The country turns the clocks back an hour early Sunday.