Special Poll
A stir has arisen among Republican lawmakers following President-elect Trump’s call to abolish daylight saving time, a move that has sparked a division within the party. Trump broached this perennially contentious topic last Friday, causing a mix of surprise and confusion among his colleagues.
The debate pits those favoring permanent standard time, which would result in more morning light, against those advocating for year-round daylight saving time, which extends evening light. This has led to conflicting claims about Trump’s stance.
Representative Greg Steube of Florida, a strong supporter of the Sunshine Protection Act that seeks to make daylight saving time permanent but allows states to choose standard time, expressed his perplexity: “I’m confused,” he said. “I think he just doesn’t want the clocks to go back and forth.”
In a social media post, Trump argued that the Republican Party should aim to eliminate daylight saving time, describing it as inconvenient and costly. He emphasized the system’s drawbacks despite it being observed from March to November.
Despite not having direct communication with Trump, Steube recalled past instances where Trump seemed to support the idea of daylight saving time as the default. “I would imagine he supports Florida’s position,” Steube noted, referring to the 2018 Florida legislation that favored year-round daylight saving time. This change, however, requires congressional approval due to the Uniform Time Act, which currently only allows states to opt out of daylight saving time.
Yet, some Republicans like Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi interpret Trump’s statement as a nod towards permanent standard time. Cotton responded to Trump’s post, expressing his commitment to working towards this goal, while Wicker recalled the safety concerns and public resistance that arose during a brief trial of permanent daylight saving time in the 1970s.
The issue has also revealed underlying tensions between interests in health and commerce. While the National Association of Convenience Stores advocated for year-round daylight saving time for its business benefits, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended permanent standard time to align better with natural body rhythms.
The debate even touches on seasonal activities, as one anonymous Republican lawmaker highlighted the competing interests of the ski and golf industries, both of which prefer different light conditions.
Despite the confusion and differing opinions within the party, Trump’s remarks have spurred some, like Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, to prioritize this issue, although even he admitted to some uncertainty about Trump’s exact position.
As discussions continue, some lawmakers remain indifferent, favoring a definitive choice between standard and daylight saving time to avoid further complications. This debate, seemingly low on the list of priorities for many, has yet to coalesce around a clear legislative path forward, leaving the future of the time change in America still up in the air.