Frustrated by dark outside early, Trump complains and begs Congress to end clock switching
Trump renews his appeal
He noted that the House had passed the measure with bipartisan support, but the Senate had not acted. Trump said he would continue to push for it, while also acknowledging that lawmakers had other priorities.
The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House 308-117 in July. It would keep daylight saving time in place throughout the year.
Arguments over darker mornings
Trump has argued that permanent daylight saving time would reduce the murder rate across the country. Opponents say the change would make mornings very dark for children heading to school and adults going to work.
States and public opinion
Federal law governs the clock system, but states do not have to observe daylight saving time. Arizona and Hawaii do not follow it, and Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands remain on standard time all year.
An AP-NORC poll from last month found 12 percent of U.S. adults favored the twice-yearly clock change, while 47 percent opposed it and 40 percent were indifferent. On year-round options, 56 percent preferred daylight saving time and 42 percent preferred standard time.
Key points
- Trump called on Congress to pass the Sunshine Protection Act after complaining about early darkness.
- The House approved the bill 308-117 in July, but the Senate has not taken it up.
- Opponents say permanent daylight saving time would mean darker mornings for students and workers.
- In an AP-NORC poll, 47 percent opposed changing clocks twice a year.