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Senate stalls House-passed bill targeting AI data center utility costs

A Senate Democrat blocked unanimous consent after the House overwhelmingly passed standards for large data center energy charges.

Updated Sep 17, 2026 · 19:00 UTC7 reports

The short version

  • The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act in a 417-3 vote on Wednesday.[NBC News · CBS News]
  • The bill sets standards for state regulators to require AI data centers using 100 megawatts or more to pay for their own infrastructure.[Fox News · CNBC · CNBC]
  • Sen. Jon Husted attempted to pass the legislation in the Senate by unanimous consent, but Sen. Martin Heinrich objected.[The Washington Sun]
  • Heinrich argued that the bill relies on voluntary state standards, while Sen. Bernie Moreno criticized him for blocking immediate relief.[The Washington Sun · CBS News · CNBC]

Key facts

  • The House of Representatives passed the Ratepayer Protection Act in a 417-3 vote on Wednesday.[NBC News · CBS News · Fox News]
  • The legislation creates standards allowing state regulators to require data centers consuming 100 megawatts or more to cover grid upgrade costs.[Fox News · CNBC · CNBC]
  • Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked an effort by Sen. Jon Husted to pass the legislation in the Senate via unanimous consent.[The Washington Sun · CBS News · CNBC]
  • Sen. Bernie Moreno objected to Sen. Martin Heinrich's alternative GRID Savings Act.[CBS News · CNBC]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains uncertain whether or when the Senate will take further action on the legislation following the objection.[NBC News · Fox News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.