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Democrats Block Ratepayer Protection Act to Curb Data-Center Hikes

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 11:42 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Senate Republicans advanced the Ratepayer Protection Act to curb data-center utility hikes, but Democrats blocked it.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) warned that data centers could raise local electricity rates.
Democrats said the bill lacked teeth and failed to compel AI firms to comply.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) changed his vote from yea to nay, citing the bill’s lack of amendment.

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Story summary

Senate Republicans advanced the Ratepayer Protection Act to curb data-center utility hikes, but Democrats blocked it.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) warned that data centers could raise local electricity rates.
Democrats said the bill lacked teeth and failed to compel AI firms to comply.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) changed his vote from yea to nay, citing the bill’s lack of amendment.