Broadcasters Push Congress on AM Radio Bill

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 11:12am CT

Broadcasters Push Congress on AM Radio Bill

Broadcasters from 31 states gathered on Capitol Hill Tuesday to urge Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, arguing that preserving AM radio in new vehicles is essential for public safety and emergency communications. Joining the broadcasters were representatives from AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency management organizations, who met with lawmakers to press for final passage of the bipartisan legislation.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) said the measure has broad bipartisan backing in Congress, along with the endorsement of President Donald Trump and support from more than 125 organizations representing public safety, agriculture, labor and community groups.

"The time for Congress to act is now," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "Hundreds of broadcasters from across the country alongside nearly one million AM radio listeners have reached out to their members of Congress to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and protect this essential public safety resource."

The Capitol Hill fly-in began Monday evening with a policy briefing and reception highlighting the coalition supporting the legislation. Broadcasters spent Tuesday meeting directly with members of Congress, urging them to send the bill to the president for signature.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S. 315/H.R. 979), sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA), along with Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), would require AM radio capability in new vehicles to ensure continued access to local news, emergency alerts and other critical public safety information.

According to NAB, the legislation has attracted 61 Senate cosponsors and 316 House cosponsors. It has already been approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, while the House Energy and Commerce Committee included it in its bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization package.

Supporters say the bill has also earned endorsements from organizations including the National Emergency Management Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, AARP, Native Public Media, SAG-AFTRA and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.