Cotton Blocks Move to DST Permanent, Harming AM Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 31, 2025 | 2:52pm CT |
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 Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) |
The Senate's latest attempt to make daylight saving time permanent has stalled after Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) objected to a motion for unanimous consent, blocking advancement of the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act (S.29/H.R.139).
Cotton warned that keeping clocks on daylight saving time year-round would make winter mornings "dark and dismal" for millions of Americans, with the sun rising as late as 8:30 a.m. in his home state and even later in northern regions. "Permanent Daylight Savings Time would push winter sunrises to an absurdly late hour," Cotton said, adding that benefits would be limited to a few industries while creating widespread disruption elsewhere.
Supporters of the bill, led by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), say ending twice-a-year clock changes would simplify life for Americans and allow states to choose their preferred standard. Former President Donald Trump has also endorsed the idea, calling the current system "a big inconvenience."
Broadcasters have voiced opposition, warning that early morning darkness would harm revenue for AM radio stations that must reduce power or sign on later until sunrise. The National Association of Broadcasters, Salem Media Group, and the National Religious Broadcasters have all urged Congress to reject the proposal, citing potential economic and safety impacts.
The debate recalls the last time daylight saving time was made permanent in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act amid an energy crisis. The change proved deeply unpopular, with reports of children going to school in the dark and multiple safety incidents. Congress repealed the law after just eight months, restoring standard time on October 27, 1974.
Sen. Cotton cited that "abject failure" as a reason for his opposition, pledging to prevent a repeat. "I took full responsibility for not stopping it in 2022," he said. "We won't make that mistake again."
