US Senate faces opposition to permanent daylight‑saving time bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, which would make daylight‑saving time permanent across most states, by a vote of 308‑117. The legislation has the backing of President Donald Trump and was introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R‑FL).

In the Senate, the proposal confronts uncertain odds because it requires a supermajority of 60 votes. Several Republican senators, including Tom Cotton (AR) and Steve Daines (MT), have voiced strong opposition, warning that a later sunrise would force children to travel to school in darkness and create safety risks for early‑morning workers. Other senators, such as Chuck Grassley (IA), remain undecided, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not ruled out bringing the bill to the floor.

Orthodox Jewish groups have also raised concerns. Leaders of Agudath Israel of America and the Orthodox Union argue that permanently shifting sunrise an hour later would disrupt the timing of mandatory morning prayers, Shabbat, and holiday observances, potentially reducing synagogue attendance and complicating religious practice for observant communities.