WASHINGTON — House Republican leaders plan to bring the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to the floor Tuesday, advancing legislation aimed at preventing households from bearing the costs of the nation’s rapidly expanding data center industry. The bill would require technology companies to help pay for infrastructure associated with data center development, including the power and water systems needed to operate the facilities. It passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously this summer. The scheduled vote marks the most significant congressional action so far on the local costs of the data center boom, which has fueled concerns about higher electricity bills, strained energy grids and increased pressure on water supplies. The issue has also become politically volatile as lawmakers prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. At least five vulnerable House Republicans have joined the bill as co-sponsors since Sept. 1: Reps. Bill Huizenga and Tom Barrett of Michigan, David Valadao of California, Jen Kiggans of Virginia and Mónica de la Cruz of Texas. The legislation now has 42 Democratic and Republican co-sponsors. Valadao said before signing on that lawmakers needed to address the effects of data center growth, particularly on natural resources and energy prices in California. “Obviously it has to be addressed — making sure that we’re protecting our natural resources like water in my district,” Valadao said. He also cited California’s high energy costs as a concern. He objected, however, to efforts to turn the issue into an election-year fight, calling that approach politically irresponsible. The measure is sponsored by Reps. Gabe Evans, a Colorado Republican, and Kathy Castor, a Florida Democrat. Its supporters say requiring tech companies to pay for infrastructure would protect ratepayers from subsidizing facilities built to serve some of the world’s largest and most profitable companies. The House will consider the bill under an expedited procedure requiring a two-thirds majority of members present and voting for passage. That threshold means the measure will need substantial bipartisan support. The decision to schedule the vote came after House leaders had considered delaying action until after the November elections. The timing reflects growing pressure on Republicans in competitive districts, where voters have increasingly linked data center expansion with rising utility costs. Data centers require large amounts of electricity and, in many cases, water for cooling. Their development has prompted debates nationwide over who should finance new transmission lines, generation capacity and other public infrastructure needed to serve the facilities. The bill’s prospects in the Senate and its path to the president were not detailed.