GOP Faces Divide Over Data Centers as Midterms Loom

Vulnerable House Republicans push for action on data centers ahead of the midterms, but leadership remains undecided on when or how to move. Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie is urging a floor vote on the Ratepayer Protection Act to limit grid costs and bridge party divides, while Speaker Mike Johnson says leaders are weighing how to proceed and to respect local community input. Other Republicans push for local control and transparency, including bills on data-center water use; some warn against anti-data-center sentiment or foreign influence. No September vote is scheduled as the party tests political risk surrounding data-center policy.