As momentum grows to end daylight saving time changes, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is urging Congress to weigh the real-life impacts of where the clock should be set permanently — a move that could dramatically affect mornings across West Texas.
The biannual tradition of adjusting the clocks may soon come to a close, yet discussions continue regarding whether the United States should prioritize brighter evenings or earlier mornings.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has become a prominent figure in this expanding dialogue, stating that it’s time to “lock the clock,” while also raising doubts about whether daylight saving time (DST) is the appropriate choice for the long term.
Cruz, the chair of the Senate Commerce, Transportation, and Science Committee, has recently initiated hearings to explore the physical, mental, and economic impacts of permanently implementing daylight saving time. This change would result in later sunrises, particularly in areas situated on the western edge of time zones, such as West Texas.
“There are significant and intricate issues along with opposing arguments on each side,” Cruz stated. “There seems to be a consensus on the need to lock the clock, but the question remains: where should it be locked?” He stressed, that is the rationale behind our decision to conduct these hearings.
President Donald Trump has expressed his support for permanent DST, highlighting its potential to extend daylight into the evening. This initiative is endorsed by sectors such as golf and retail, which benefit from increased business during brighter evenings. However, medical experts caution that a lack of morning sunlight may result in sleep disturbances, a rise in accidents, and various mental health concerns.
Neurologist Dr. Karin Johnson states, “Texas and the southern states actually lose that morning light for a longer period because of the curve of the Earth.” If Daylight Saving Time (DST) were to become permanent, certain areas of West Texas might experience sunrises as late as 9 a.m. in the winter months.
The Senate passed a bill in 2022 to make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent, but it has since stalled in the House.
This year, Sen. Rick Scott reintroduced the bill with support from both parties and included an opt-out option for states that prefer to remain on standard time. Arizona and Hawaii have already implemented this.
In Texas, lawmakers are proposing that voters be given the opportunity to make a decision through a statewide referendum in two years.
In the meantime, Cruz and others are still assessing the evidence — and the light of day.
“Individuals are weary of adjusting their clocks,” stated Scott Yates from the Lock the Clock Movement.
Yates concluded, “However, the task now involves choosing the era we want to live in." Yates further said, "that’s not as simple as it appears.”
