Congressman Menefee Presses Trump Administration on False CHIPS Claims and AI Data Centers' Impact on Texas
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) challenged a top Trump Administration science official over President Trump's false claims about the CHIPS and Science Act and the growing impact of AI data centers on Texas families.
During a House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing titled, "Unleashing the Golden Age of Science: Examining the Priorities of the FY2027 Research and Technology Enterprise," Congressman Menefee questioned the official about President Trump's repeated false claim that companies could only receive CHIPS funding if they were "run by transgender people," a requirement that does not exist anywhere in the law or in CHIPS funding agreements.
When asked whether anyone in the Administration had corrected the President before he made the claim publicly, the witness repeatedly said he was "not familiar" with Trump's comments.
Congressman Menefee then turned to the growing impact of artificial intelligence and the strain large data centers are placing on Texas communities. He cited research showing that Texas data centers could consume nearly 399 billion gallons of water annually by 2030 while electricity prices continue to rise for working families.
Menefee pressed the Administration on whether it would commit to preserving states' authority to regulate water usage and protect communities from rising utility costs as it pursues policies that could preempt state AI regulations.
When Congressman Menefee asked whether the Administration would promise to strengthen and uphold state laws related to data center water usage and rising electricity costs, the witness declined to make that commitment, instead responding, "I think I'm going to stick with my domain, which is science and technology," and referring questions about data center regulation to other federal agencies.
To watch Congressman Menefee’s full remarks click HERE or below:
