Senate Democrats on Wednesday blocked a Republican-led bill aimed at combating rising energy costs, derailing a final GOP effort to show voters action on affordability before the midterm elections.
The measure, known as the "Ratepayer Protection Act," failed 57 to 43. Only four Democrats voted with Republicans.
The failure is a setback for Ohio Republican Senator Jon Husted, who championed the legislation and faces intense scrutiny over high prices in one of the most competitive Senate races this cycle. Republicans had hoped to use the bill to counter criticism that they have not done enough to tackle the cost of living.
The legislation required state regulators to consider a proposed federal standard that would make data center companies cover their energy grid costs, rather than passing them to consumers.
Democrats argued the bill did not go far enough. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized it on Tuesday: "Here we need some real action on data centers and what does the Republican senator from Ohio come up with? Something that is optional."
Senator Peter Welch of Vermont said: "If ratepayers read this bill and see that it's a name that says ratepayer protection and provides no relief in rates, they'll rightly be angry. They can see something that's not on the level."
Democrats said the bill's language was weak and lacked enforcement mechanisms. They vowed to pursue more robust measures.
Husted countered: "This is the bill that gives us a chance to prove to the American people that we're for lower electricity prices and holding data centers accountable. So the only way that this happens is if this bill passes. This bill is the only game in town."
The House had passed the "Ratepayer Protection Act" earlier this month with widespread bipartisan support. The Senate vote now exposes Democrats to criticism for blocking a measure that cleared the lower chamber.
Senators are expected to depart Washington soon and will not return until after the midterms.
