Senate Democrat Blocks Data Center Ratepayer Bill Backed By 417-3 House Vote
Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked unanimous consent in the Senate on Thursday, September 17, 2026, preventing immediate passage of the House-approved Ratepayer Protection Act meant to shield consumers from data center energy costs.[1]
Sen. Jon Husted had asked for unanimous-consent approval of the bill after the House passed it by a 417-3 vote.[1] Heinrich then objected and sought unanimous consent for his own GRID Savings Act, which GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno blocked, leaving both measures stalled.[1]
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the House approved the Ratepayer Protection Act 417-3 as Republicans and Democrats joined to address rising consumer electricity concerns.[1] Supporters said the measure would prevent utilities from passing higher grid costs tied to data center power demands onto residential customers.[1]
Both data center-related energy bills now remain stalled in the Senate despite the House vote and heightened voter concern about electricity prices.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, September 17, 2026, Sen. Jon Husted sought unanimous-consent Senate approval of the House-passed Ratepayer Protection Act.
- The House approved the Ratepayer Protection Act on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by a 417-3 vote.
- Sen. Martin Heinrich objected, blocking the bill, and then sought unanimous consent for his own GRID Savings Act, which GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno blocked.
- Both data center-related energy cost bills remain stalled despite broad House support and heightened voter concern over electricity prices.
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