Trump ramps up pressure on US Republicans to end US clock switching

What the report says

US President Donald Trump has intensified his push for Congress to end the twice-yearly changing of clocks by making Daylight Saving Time permanent. In a social media post on Saturday, Trump singled out Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, accusing him of blocking the Sunshine Protection Act, which Trump has been calling the “No More Changing of Clocks Act.”

According to Al Jazeera and Reuters, Trump went beyond urging action and posted what he said was Cotton’s cellphone number, encouraging Arkansas residents to contact him. The White House and Cotton’s office did not immediately comment, and Al Jazeera said the number appeared to reach a full voicemail box. Trump has repeatedly pressed Senate Republicans to move the measure forward after the House passed it in July by a 308-117 vote.

The debate centers on whether year-round daylight saving time would improve convenience and safety or create new problems for early-morning commuters, schoolchildren and outdoor workers. Cotton has previously argued it would leave some people starting their day in darkness during winter. Trump, meanwhile, has argued that more evening daylight would help everyday routines and sports such as golf, while also framing the bill as politically beneficial for Republicans.

The issue has surfaced before in the United States: Congress briefly adopted year-round daylight saving time in 1974 during the energy crisis, but later reversed course over safety concerns. With senators away until after the November 3 midterm elections, the timing of any vote remains uncertain.