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President Trump encouraged Congress on Friday morning to finally settle the debate on daylight saving time.
While the topic has been debated and resolutions adopted in the past, President Trump is ready for a solution.
In a Truth Social post, the 47th president wrote, “The House and Senate should push hard for more Daylight at the end of a day. Very popular and, most importantly, no more changing of the clocks, a big inconvenience and, for our government, A VERY COSTLY EVENT!!! DJT.”
His post came just one day after the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing over the matter.
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who chairs the committee, believes the United States should adopt either standard time or daylight saving time.
He struggled with deciding which option would be better while highlighting the importance of both.
“I personally struggle with the two choices here, because it’s a question of what do you care about more: sunshine and joy and fun and money, or health, mental health, physical health,” said Cruz. “And the honest answer for most people, gosh, I care about all that stuff.”
A neurologist from UMASS Chan School of Medicine-Baystate in Massachusetts argued for permanent Standard Time, which she said promotes sleep and brain health.
Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., applauded President Trump’s call in a post on X. “100% agree, President Trump! It’s time to pass my Sunshine Protection Act and LOCK THE CLOCK!”
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., rallied behind Trump’s call. “Thank you @realDonaldTrump. I pushed for permanent Daylight Saving Time in the Florida Legislature. I’m fighting for it in Congress now. No more clock-switching. More daylight in the evening. Less government waste. Let’s get it done,” he wrote on X.
Democrats and Republicans both wish to end clock switching. In 2022, the Senate passed legislation unanimously to end daylight saving time, but the measure was stymied in the House.
Perhaps the 119th Congress will settle the matter and send the bill to President Trump’s desk, especially after his public call to action.