Senate Republicans Push Consumer Cost Bills in Final 5 Weeks as Democrats Eye 4-Seat Gain
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 28
Senate Republicans Push Consumer Cost Bills in Final 5 Weeks as Democrats Eye 4-Seat Gain
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 28
Summary
The Senate is expected to vote this week on a Republican-backed bill aimed at shielding households from electricity costs tied to the data-center boom, part of the GOP’s last scheduled workweek before Election Day.
John Thune kept senators in Washington instead of sending them home to campaign, betting a late legislative burst can strengthen Republicans’ record as Democrats run competitively in states Trump carried and need four seats to retake the chamber.
Jon Husted of Ohio is driving the electricity bill while facing one of the toughest GOP races; 69% of likely Ohio voters say data centers are mostly bad for home energy costs, and Sherrod Brown has hammered him on the issue.
Democrats say the measure is too weak and too slow, noting it would not fully take effect for two years; Martin Heinrich already blocked a fast-track attempt, while Chuck Schumer called the bill voluntary and ineffective.
Other vulnerable Republicans are also pressing election-season affordability measures, including Susan Collins on a $35 insulin cap, while broader permitting reform has stalled in bipartisan talks.