The quirky process the Senate used to pass permanent Daylight Savings


Were you among those perhaps wondering how the Senate, a legislative body that so often fails to get anything done, managed to on Tuesday swiftly and unanimously pass a bill that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent? Well, in news that unfortunately makes a lot of sense, apparently even the senators were shocked at their own success.
Turns out, BuzzFeed News reports, the entire beleaguered Senate legislative process can be bypassed with something known as "unanimous consent," which skips the debate and votes and immediately moves to the passage of the bill so long as no one objects. If everyone's in favor, the bill automatically passes; but if just one senator says no, it's blocked.
Senators ask for unanimous consent all the time, "but it's usually just for show," per BuzzFeed News. Lawmakers typically first notify their counterparts of their plan, allowing others the chance to place what's called a "hold" on the bill to signal their opposition. Once there's at least one hold, there's largely no point in bringing the bill to the floor, Buzzfeed notes.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
But when Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) brought the Sunshine Protection Act to the floor under a unanimous consent request, some senators seemingly weren't told by their staff (who may have fielded the message) what was happening ... meaning they weren't even able to object.
"It's literally an issue my staff and I had never discussed, and they made an assumption that I don't really care about daylight saving time," said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.). "And I don't know if I do!"
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who's apparently vehemently opposed to permanent daylight savings, was also not made aware and did not get to object, per BuzzFeed News.
So ultimately, it appears the Senate's efficient afternoon may have just been the result of poor communication. Whoops!
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
The End: not the 'uncompromising masterpiece' it aspires to be
Talking Point Post-apocalyptic musical has an excellent cast – but is 'catastrophically self-indulgent'
By The Week UK Published
-
The week's best photos
In Pictures A leaning palace, massive waves, and more
By Anahi Valenzuela, The Week US Published
-
Diana Henry picks her favourite books
The Week Recommends The food writer shares works by Claire Keegan, Molly O'Neill and Richard Yates
By The Week UK Published
-
Trump rolls out tariffs on virtually all imports
Speed Read On "Liberation Day," Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to America and higher reciprocal tariffs for some 60 other countries
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sen. Booker's 25-hour speech beats Thurmond
Speed Read He spoke for the longest time in recorded Senate history, protesting the Trump administration's policies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Bondi seeks death penalty for Luigi Mangione
Speed Read Mangione was charged with fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Democrats win costly Wisconsin court seat
Speed Read Democrats prevailed in an election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court despite Elon Musk's robust financial support of the Republican candidate
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
WHCA rejects White House press seating grab
Speed Read The White House Correspondents' Association objected to the Trump administration's bid to control where journalists sit during press briefings
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump sends more migrants to El Salvador jail
Speed Read Another 17 Venezuelan alleged gang members have been deported to a notorious prison
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump 'not joking' about unconstitutional 3rd term
Speed Read The president seems to be serious about seeking a third term in 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
By The Week Staff Published