US Republicans seek voter relief before midterm elections

Senate plans data centre vote amid concerns over Trump's falling support

WASHINGTON:

US Senate Republicans are seeking to improve their election prospects by voting on legislation aimed at protecting consumers from rising electricity bills linked to data centres, hoping to win over voters struggling with inflation and higher energy costs.

Republicans had the option of leaving Washington on Thursday and staying away until after the November 3 midterm elections. Instead, they chose to return next week to take up the Ratepayer Protection Act at the urging of

Senator Jon Husted, who is trailing Democratic candidate and former Senator Sherrod Brown in Ohio, a state President Donald Trump won by more than 11 points in 2024.

Republicans believe supporting the bill will demonstrate their commitment to voters focused on the cost-of-living crisis. Polls have shown broad opposition to data centres, despite Trump's support for their development.

The planned vote is the latest sign of Republican anxiety over Trump's record-low approval rating less than six weeks before Election Day. The concerns have prompted some Republican candidates to distance themselves from Trump on issues affecting their states.

Senate candidates Mike Rogers of Michigan and Ashley Hinson of Iowa have called for a quick end to the Iran war. Other Republicans, including Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, have expressed concern over immigration enforcement operations in their states, one of Trump's signature initiatives.

Trump's approval ratings have also fallen among Republicans. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed support for the president among Republicans falling

nine points to 73% in one week. Although Trump is not on the November ballot, he remains central to the campaign.

The Ratepayer Protection Act would require state utility regulators to consider whether large electricity users, including data centres, should bear the additional costs of power infrastructure built to serve them.