Senate Republicans Push Data Center Bill and Stock Trading Ban Ahead of Midterm Elections
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on two Republican-led bills before entering its pre-election recess: one addressing data center-related utility costs, and another restricting members from trading individual stocks while in office. While the bills aim for messaging victories ahead of November's midterms, they face strong opposition from Democrats who argue both lack substance or go far enough. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the proposals as 'toothless' and a 'theatrical farce,' noting that neither bill is likely to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold. The Ratepayer Protection Act, which passed in the House with bipartisan support earlier this month, would allow states to require large AI data centers to cover their own energy costs rather than shifting them onto consumers. Democrats argue it's optional and lacks enforceable measures. Meanwhile, the Stop Insider Trading Act seeks to ban members of Congress from buying individual stocks but does not mandate divestment or close all loopholes. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio), a key proponent behind both bills, is in a competitive re-election race against former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and may be seeking legislative wins. The Senate's last session before its extended recess could become a procedural battleground as Democrats resist the Republican agenda.
Topics: data centers energy costs midterm elections stock trading restrictions