Cotton Resists Trump Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Senator Tom Cotton rejects President Trump’s call for permanent daylight saving time, citing public concerns.
2 min read
Arcansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton has firmly resisted President Donald Trump‘s push for permanent daylight saving time, rejecting the president’s public campaign to get the Senate to vote on the measure. Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Cotton for blocking the bill, posted the senator’s cellphone number on social media and urged Arkansans to call him and demand action.
Trump’s Public Campaign Against Cotton
Trump took to X on Saturday to call out Cotton, labeling him as a key obstacle to the ‘Sunshine Protection Act,’ a bill that has already passed the House. The president claimed the measure should pass in a bipartisan fashion and emphasized that the majority of Americans support the idea of locking the clock in place to avoid the twice-yearly time changes.
In his post, Trump cited the PGA Tour and other groups that support the bill, arguing that more afternoon sunlight would benefit golfers, farmers, and families. He also reminded Arkansans of his strong support for the state, having won it three times, including by a significant margin in the last election.
Cotton’s Stance and Concerns
Cotton, however, has remained steadfast in his opposition, stating that Congress has previously attempted to implement permanent daylight saving time but faced backlash due to late sunrises in the winter. He emphasized that Arkansans do not want their children to attend school in the dark and that he will always prioritize the state’s interests.
The bill, known as H.R. 139, passed the House with a vote of 308–117 and is now awaiting a Senate vote. However, Cotton, who chairs the Senate Republican Conference, has made it clear that he will be the single objection needed to keep the bill from moving forward. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from Trump, who has repeatedly called on the public to contact Cotton and push for the measure.
Public and Industry Support for the Measure
Support for the bill has been widespread, with the PGA Tour and other organizations backing the idea of permanent daylight saving time. Trump highlighted a letter from Brian Rolapp, the CEO of the PGA Tour, stating that 65% plus of members want more afternoon sun while 100% do not want to change their clocks twice a year. The president argued that the measure would be a bipartisan win for the Senate and the country as a whole.
Despite the public support, Cotton has remained unmoved, emphasizing the practical concerns of Arkansans and the potential negative effects of permanent daylight saving time on daily life. His resistance has become a focal point of the ongoing debate over the issue, highlighting the growing divide between the executive and legislative branches on key policy matters.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
