President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on Saturday morning to share what he said was U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton’s (R‑Ark.) cellphone number. The former president urged Arkansans to call the senator and ask him to vote for the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight‑saving time the permanent standard across the United States.
Why the Sunshine Protection Act matters to Arkansas families
Trump framed the bill as a matter of everyday convenience for families and workers. “Nobody wants to spend their precious time running all over the place, turning clocks back twice a year, and having sunshine in the afternoon is better than early in the morning,” he wrote. The proposal would eliminate the bi‑annual clock change, keeping evenings brighter year‑round.
Details of the legislation
The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, if approved by the Senate, would establish daylight‑saving time as the permanent standard. The bill also allows states with regions that are exempt from daylight‑saving time to retain their own standard time for those areas, preserving local flexibility.
Sen. Cotton’s response
Sen. Tom Cotton responded on X (formerly Twitter) by stating his opposition to the measure after Trump’s post. Cotton’s statement, linked in the original report, indicated that he does not support making daylight‑saving time permanent, though he did not elaborate on his reasoning.
Legislative status
According to Congress.gov, the Sunshine Protection Act was most recently referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The bill has not yet been brought to a full Senate vote, and its future depends on further committee action and broader Senate support.
What Arkansas voters can do
Trump’s call to action invites Arkansas residents to contact Sen. Cotton directly. By dialing the number he posted, constituents can express their support for the bill and ask the senator to reconsider his stance. The president’s outreach reflects his broader effort to mobilize grassroots support for policies he believes benefit American families.
Broader context
Daylight‑saving time has long been a point of debate among lawmakers, businesses, and families. Proponents argue that permanent daylight‑saving time would reduce energy use, improve public safety, and provide more daylight for after‑school activities. Opponents raise concerns about darker mornings in winter and potential impacts on agriculture.
President Trump’s involvement underscores his continued focus on issues that affect everyday life, especially those that align with his administration’s emphasis on personal liberty and family well‑being. While the Sunshine Protection Act remains pending, the president’s direct appeal to Arkansans highlights the importance of citizen engagement in the legislative process.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
