Senate GOP Races to Pass Data Center and Stock Trading Bills Before Midterm Adjournment

Key points

• Senate Republicans plan to vote on the Ratepayer Protection Act, aimed at curbing data-center-driven utility hikes, and a bill restricting lawmaker stock trading, likely on Wednesday.
• The stock trading bill, which passed the House with 13 Democratic votes, includes voter ID requirements and requires 60 Senate votes to advance, necessitating Democratic support.
• The data center bill is central to the reelection campaign of Sen. Jon Husted in Ohio, where 69% of likely voters view data centers negatively regarding energy costs.
• A bipartisan college sports overhaul bill is expected to pass Monday, but some GOP senators criticize it as a low priority compared to affordability issues.
• A long-sought federal permitting reform vote has been abandoned for the pre-election session, with Democrats citing the need for more review time and Republicans blaming obstruction.

Background

This legislative push follows earlier tensions over data center energy costs and a broader midterm strategy focused on cost-of-living issues. Previous coverage noted Thune’s arguments for self-sufficient data centers and the impact of inflation and the Iran conflict on early voting. The current session represents the final opportunity for the Senate to pass legislation before the November 3 elections, with Democrats within striking distance of retaking the chamber.

How outlets are covering it

Politico emphasizes the strategic calculus of Thune’s agenda, noting that the data center bill is designed to help Husted but faces Democratic opposition as 'falling short.' The Detroit News highlights the political risk for Husted, citing polling that 69% of Ohio likely voters view data centers negatively, and notes that Democrats argue the bill is voluntary and ineffective. Both outlets agree that the college sports bill is viewed by some Republicans as a distraction from more urgent affordability concerns, with Sen. Rand Paul and Sen. John Kennedy criticizing its priority. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer and Martin Heinrich, argue that blocking the data center bill is necessary because it does not address the root causes of high energy costs, while Republicans accuse Democrats of obstructing legislative wins for electoral gain.

Why it matters

The outcome of these votes will influence the narrative for the midterm elections, particularly in competitive states like Ohio, Nebraska, and Maine. If the data center bill fails or is perceived as insufficient, it could hurt vulnerable Republicans like Husted. Conversely, passing the stock trading bill could demonstrate bipartisan cooperation, though it requires Democratic support that may be withheld due to the included voter ID provisions. The failure to pass permitting reform also signals a potential gridlock on energy infrastructure issues, which could impact future energy costs and infrastructure development.

What to watch

The Senate is expected to vote on the stock trading and data center bills this week, likely on Wednesday. If the data center bill fails, Husted’s campaign may face further challenges. The Senate is expected to adjourn for the midterms after these votes, with no further legislative action expected until the new Congress convenes in January. The permitting reform bill may be revisited in the new session, but Democrats have warned that rushing it could kill the legislation.