The House passed the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act on Wednesday, marking Congress' most significant step yet to shield consumers from the soaring infrastructure costs of the AI boom.
Why it matters: Washington is facing growing pressure to put guardrails around AI's rapid expansion, from the technology itself to the data centers powering it.
Driving the news: The vote comes amid a broader reckoning over the pace and costs of AI development.
Catch up quick: The bill, led by Reps. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in July.
The intrigue: The House's move comes as President Trump is arguing against pumping the brakes on AI development, framing U.S. dominance in the technology as a race against China.
What to watch: Trump's comments have put him at odds with some Republicans who have sought to distance themselves from data centers as the issue becomes increasingly salient in the midterms.
