The U.S. Senate will not vote before the end of 2026 on legislation to make daylight saving time permanent, delaying a decision that has drawn bipartisan support in the House and backing from former President Trump.
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. local time Sunday, November 1, when most U.S. states will set clocks back one hour, restoring standard time. The change follows the current federal schedule, which mandates daylight saving time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
The Senate’s inaction comes despite a House-passed bill in July that would eliminate the twice-yearly time change by establishing permanent daylight saving time nationwide. The Senate has not scheduled a vote, according to the Associated Press, and is not expected to act before the end of the year.
Regions will experience earlier sunsets after the change. In northern cities like Caribou, Maine, sunset will occur as early as 4:16 p.m. on November 1, while southern cities like Miami will see sunset at 5:39 p.m. Over the course of November, Seattle will lose more than 70 minutes of daylight, compared to about 30 minutes in cities like Austin and Tampa.
Background: How Daylight Saving Time Works
Daylight saving time was first adopted in the U.S. in 1918 during World War I as a fuel conservation measure, following European implementations. The practice was repealed after the war but reinstated during World War II and again during the 1970s energy crisis, though these efforts were short-lived.
Under current law, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. The next transition, when clocks will spring forward, is scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2027.
The Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
The House approved the Sunshine Protection Act in July, which would make daylight saving time permanent year-round. The bill has since moved to the Senate, where it faces opposition despite support from President Trump. The legislation aims to eliminate the biannual time change, which has been linked to health and safety concerns, including increased risks of heart attacks and traffic accidents in the days following the transitions.
Proponents argue that permanent daylight saving time would simplify scheduling, reduce energy consumption, and align with public preference. A 2023 poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 60% of Americans favor year-round daylight saving time.
Opposition and Unresolved Questions
Critics of the proposal, including some lawmakers and sleep health advocates, argue that permanent daylight saving time could lead to darker mornings in winter, particularly in northern states, potentially increasing risks for schoolchildren and workers commuting in low-light conditions. Opponents also question the energy-saving rationale, citing mixed evidence on whether daylight saving time reduces electricity use.
The Senate’s delay leaves the future of the legislation uncertain, with no clear timeline for further action. Until a decision is made, the U.S. will continue to observe the current daylight saving time schedule.