Senate Republicans Schedule Data Center Utility Bill as One of Final Pre-Midterm Votes
Senate Republicans scheduled a vote on a bill sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, that would require utility regulators to consider adopting a federal standard charging large power customers rates that cover the cost of grid upgrades needed to serve them. The measure passed the House by a vote of 417-3 but needs at least 60 votes in the Senate to advance to a final vote, requiring support from at least seven Democrats. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described the bill as "a fraud" and said its provisions are voluntary and therefore unenforceable.
Two sources · Thin corroboration
Senate Majority Leader John Thune scheduled the Husted data center bill alongside a congressional stock-trading ban for procedural votes on Wednesday, among the last Senate action before both chambers are expected to be out of session for all of October. The House left in mid-September, canceling nearly two weeks of votes. Data centers have emerged as a top campaign issue, with about 6 in 10 Americans supporting limits on new data center construction and a majority reporting being "extremely" or "very" concerned about data centers' impact on electricity prices or water supply, according to polling cited by the Associated Press.
Husted, who is in a competitive reelection race against former Sen. Sherrod Brown, faces Democratic campaign ads labeling him the "face of data centers" — a reference to his role promoting Ohio as a data center destination while serving as lieutenant governor. The National Republican Senatorial Committee warned in a memo that Husted is vulnerable on the issue, the AP reported. Husted told reporters, "This bill passing is the only way to get a chance to prove to the American people before the midterm elections whose side you're on."
Democrats argue the bill lacks mandatory enforcement. Schumer said its requirements are voluntary, adding, "Not a single company has to comply with it." Sen. Chris Murphy told Fox News Digital the bill "does nothing," and Sen. Andy Kim said the American people "know that this bill is good for Senator Husted, but not necessarily for them." Not all Democrats opposed advancing the bill outright: Sen. Chris Van Hollen said he would support moving forward if Thune agreed to hold an amendment vote on the Power for the People Act, his competing legislation with more regulatory heft.