US Senate Fails to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent Amid Safety Concerns

Daylight saving time (DST) in the United States has a complex history marked by debates over its benefits and drawbacks, including safety concerns and energy savings. The modern DST system, in place since 2007, continues the tradition of shifting clocks twice yearly, though some states like Hawaii and Arizona opt out. Efforts to make DST permanent have faced legislative hurdles, with Republican Senator Rick Scott supporting the change and opposition from Senator Tom Cotton citing safety issues related to darker winter mornings. Historically, permanent DST was briefly implemented during the 1970s energy crisis under President Nixon but was reversed after his resignation amid the Watergate scandal. Despite ongoing public and political debate, including support from President Donald Trump, consensus remains elusive, leaving the twice-yearly clock changes intact. Experts generally recommend abandoning DST in favor of permanent standard time, though advocates for year-round DST continue to push the issue.