Senate Blocks Sunshine Protection Act, DST Continues

Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend as clocks fall back at 2 a.m. on Nov. 2. Although dozens of states have moved to “lock the clocks” — reports differ on how many have enacted or are ready to switch — federal law only allows states to adopt year‑round standard time, so making DST permanent requires Congressional approval. A bipartisan push to make DST permanent, the Sunshine Protection Act (S.29), was blocked in the Senate on Oct. 28 after Sen. Tom Cotton objected to fast‑tracking the bill; sponsors and President Trump had urged its passage. Polls show growing support for ending the twice‑annual switch, and lawmakers and advocates point to health and safety harms linked to the biannual shift, but until Congress acts the March/November clock changes will continue. The impasse leaves states, public‑health concerns and everyday routines, including pets’ schedules, caught between state initiatives and federal authority.