On Its Last Day Before the Midterms, the House Votes 417-3 to Make AI Data Centers Pay for Their Own Power — Speaker Johnson Says Families "Won't Foot the Bill," Kathy Castor Says Big Tech "Should Pay for Their Power and Grid Upgrades," and Frank Pallone Warns Voters' Concerns Keep Getting "Ridiculed by President Trump and Republican Congressional Leaders"
On Sept. 16, 2026, the House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act 417-3 under suspension of the rules. It was expected to be the chamber's last day in Washington before the November midterms. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Reps. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), directs state utility regulators to consider, within two years, a standard requiring data centers and other "large-load" customers using more than 100 megawatts to pay the full cost of the new generation, transmission and grid upgrades built to serve them. It leaves the final decision to the states. The bill was the only AI-related measure on the House schedule that week. Polls show wide opposition to new AI data centers: NBC News found about 70% of adults oppose one in their neighborhood. Republican leaders said the bill protects ratepayers while keeping AI development in the United States. Many Democrats voted yes but called the bill a modest first step. Pallone blamed President Trump and GOP leaders for sidelining voters' concerns. Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.) and Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) voted no. No Senate action is expected until after the election.
“[The Ratepayer Protection Act is] the most meaningful, bipartisan step Congress could take to protect the American people from higher prices for electricity. … It is a shame that this opportunity has been missed today.”