(By Ian Robinson/The Center Square) – The Ratepayer Protection Act, which passed the House 417-3 two weeks ago, failed to advance in the Senate Wednesday. The procedural vote was 57-43, short of the 60 votes needed.

House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to opposition to data centers as a “Chinese psyop” during an interview Monday, while also saying developers must earn communities’ trust and address concerns about utility rates and water resources.

On Fox Business, Johnson was asked how he plans to respond to Democrats using concerns about data centers against Republicans in the midterm elections. The host said some tech executives and lawmakers claim China is spreading negative information about data centers.

“Don’t buy it,” Johnson replied. “It is a Chinese psyop.”

The Center Square contacted Johnson’s communications team, which referred to his remarks immediately following the comment, saying he had explained his answer.

Johnson said companies building AI infrastructure need to meet with community members and ensure a ratepayer protection pledge is in place.

“Your rates won’t go up,” Johnson continued. “There’s a lot of precautions that can be made. And where it’s done well, they partner with the local community. It’s a win-win-win, because it provides a lot of jobs, new investment, and that’s what these local communities need.”

Johnson also pointed out the need to build trust with the community.

“The community concerns are important,” Johnson said. “And I think our candidates on the campaign trail have made a very good case for this, the incumbents in Congress, the Republicans to say, you have to regard community influence. Trust is earned. It’s not automatic.”