Trump’s data center push fractures Congress as local anger explodes: 'Grasping at straws' Democratic lawmakers push to restrict data centers over water use and electricity bills while Republicans highlight AI race benefits and local control. Surrogate who refused abortion asks SCOTUS to intervene as baby could be moved out of Texas‘Trojan horses’ in America: Congress probes influence networks tied to China, Iran and CubaSupreme Court rejects Trump bid to revive strict mail-ballot rules before midtermsMcConnell returns after months-long absence for crucial vote Obama, Biden judges draw fresh fire as Trump’s immigration court clashes heat up: ‘Almost impossible’Democrat Al Green to force House-wide vote on impeaching TrumpWATCH: Talarico instantly names favorite Texas drag queen — a performer who says he ‘works with children’ Abdul El-Sayed protested against 'ex-terrorists' who converted to Christianity, unearthed report reveals Far-left attack backfires spectacularly as radical online personality whines after attacking female Trump aideAI safety debate heats up as tech leaders call for regulationMarc Thiessen warns of existential threat in AI arms race with ChinaTrump seems to be so far 'out of touch': Juan WilliamsTrace Gallagher: These young guys aren’t exactly reading The Wall Street JournalDemocratic lawmakers told Fox News Digital they want tighter regulations on data centers, while some Republicans voiced concerns over their impact on local communities. Democratic lawmakers are calling for tighter restrictions on data centers, while Republicans say the facilities could boost the economy and keep the U.S. ahead in the artificial intelligence race.doubled down on data centers this week, rejecting calls to slow development after previously warning that communities blocking the facilities would"end up being backwards and poor." Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz. , told Fox News Digital last month that Arizona needs to slow the expansion of data centers until the state fully assesses its long-term impacts."We in Arizona need to pause the expansion of data centers in the state until we really figure out a plan on how we're going to preserve our water, how we are going to make sure that ratepayers aren't taking on the responsibility," Ansari said. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during the first day of the Republican Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026."If Donald Trump is such a big fan of data centers, then he should welcome them in his own backyard," she said. , which would ban data centers within 2,500 feet of homes, schools, child care facilities, hospitals and nursing homes and give communities greater authority over where they're built. Khanna dismissed President Donald Trump's comments that communities opposing data centers would fall behind. Rep.Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill. , said lawmakers must prioritize what's"fair" for local communities. WHO PAYS FOR US POWER BOOM? BLUE, RED STATES OFFER STARKLY DIFFERENT WAYS TO LOWER UTILITY BILLS AMID AI SURGE Protestors hold up 'Stop data centers' signs, on the day of U.S. President Donald Trump's speech at the General Motors Proving Ground, in Milford, Michigan, U.S. July 27, 2026."It baffles me that we are just not guaranteeing, for average ratepayers, low utility bills," she said. "These data centers could play a role in that. " Republican lawmakers were split on data centers, with some saying they can boost economies and others stressing local control. Rep.Nancy Mace, R-S.C. , backed AI investment to compete with China but opposed building data centers in residential neighborhoods."We've got to stay ahead of China with AI, and data centers are a part of that," Mace said. "But you don't put them in somebody's backyard and that's the whole point. " Praising data centers, Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., said they can generate tax revenue, improve local infrastructure and support energy production. "You should be fighting over them," McCormick said."But, I mean, if you don't want one, that's up to you. I think you're missing out." Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. , said decisions about data centers should be left to states and local communities."I believe in 10th Amendment rights, state rights," Norman said. "Let each community take ownership, and they'll make the right decisions. "