Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) is breaking with President Trump over a proposal to make daylight saving time permanent, arguing that the better fix is to adopt standard time year-round.
In an October 2025 floor speech, Cotton pushed back against an effort to fast-track the Sunshine Protection Act, which would lock the clocks in daylight saving time. He acknowledged the shared frustration with the twice-yearly time change but said the solution is not what many of his colleagues are proposing.
“There’s not much to be done about it unless we’re willing to adopt permanent standard time,” Cotton said, according to remarks reported by Nexstar.
The Arkansas Republican’s stance puts him at odds with Trump, who has voiced support for ending the clock changes. Trump has even gone as far as sharing his personal cellphone number online in a bid to rally support. But Cotton is not swayed, and he invoked a familiar adage: “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Cotton’s opposition highlights the broader intra-party debate over how to handle the time change. While some conservatives see permanent daylight saving time as a way to extend evening daylight and boost commerce, others like Cotton argue that standard time aligns better with natural circadian rhythms and has historical precedent.
Proponents of the Sunshine Protection Act have argued that the switch would reduce car crashes, improve public health, and give consumers more evening hours for shopping and recreation. Opponents, however, point to studies showing that standard time is more in line with human biology and can improve sleep and overall well-being.
The push for permanent daylight saving time has gained momentum in recent years, with several states passing resolutions in favor of the change. But federal action has stalled, and Cotton’s resistance adds another hurdle in a narrowly divided Senate.
Trump’s involvement has elevated the issue, but his influence may not be enough to sway Cotton. The senator’s stance reflects a deeper concern about unintended consequences, and he has urged colleagues to consider the long-term effects before rushing to a decision.
As the debate continues, the outcome remains uncertain. For now, Americans can expect to keep changing their clocks, unless Cotton and others can be convinced otherwise. The coming months will likely see further debates as lawmakers weigh the pros and cons of a permanent shift.
