House Set to Vote on AI Data Center Cost Bill as Congress Faces 2-Month AI Crunch
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 14
House Set to Vote on AI Data Center Cost Bill as Congress Faces 2-Month AI Crunch
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 14
Summary
A bipartisan House bill is headed for a fast-tracked floor vote to stop nearby AI data centers from driving up household electricity bills.
The Ratepayer Protection Act would require state utility regulators to ensure data centers cover the full incremental cost of grid upgrades rather than shifting those expenses to local ratepayers.
House leaders plan to bring the measure up under suspension, signaling confidence it can pass after clearing the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously in July.
That narrow energy-cost step comes as broader AI regulation gains bipartisan urgency after a high-profile Anthropic resignation warning of existential risks, even as Congress has only days in session before leaving until November.
Pressure is spreading beyond Capitol Hill: Chuck Schumer wants an immediate classified AI briefing, Mike Johnson plans talks with tech executives, and a Sept. 15 'pro-human' event will unite Bernie Sanders, Steve Bannon and other ideological rivals.