After months of advocacy from broadcasters, legislators, and the public, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has failed to gain inclusion in the final major legislation of the 118th Congress, the Continuing Resolution aimed at averting a government shutdown.
Despite the numerous additional provisions added to the stopgap measure now poised to pass the House and move to the Senate, the mandate that automakers include AM radio in all new vehicles has been left out — something Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) effectively forced when his disapproval of the bill derailed swift Senate approval of the legislation. Paul had issues with the mandate as government subsidies tied to electric vehicles continued.
The setback for bill supporters including the NAB comes after a long and hard-fought battle for the AM Radio for Every Act, which had strong bipartisan support. Initially introduced in the lower body of Congress by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), the proposed legislation had 271 co-sponsors in the House and a supermajority of 63 in the Senate.
Alas, the bill had been awaiting a vote in the House since September.
Many hoped the AM Act would be part of the sweeping deal along with billions in disaster aid for hurricane-impacted communities and support for farmers — two groups largely dependent on AM. But as negotiations tightened, the AM Act was removed, leaving its backers disappointed at what they see as a missed opportunity to protect a critical communication channel, especially in times of crisis.
NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt commented, “While we are disappointed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act did not pass this Congress, the overwhelming bipartisan and bicameral support underscores the vital role AM radio plays in keeping Americans safe during emergencies and connected to their local communities. We are grateful to the bill’s sponsors, more than 125 supportive organizations, hundreds of thousands of listeners who contacted their lawmakers and more than 330 members of Congress who championed this effort.”
The NAB head continued, “Their voices reflect the urgent need to preserve this essential service, which millions of listeners rely on every day for lifesaving information and trusted local news. NAB remains committed to working with the next Congress to swiftly pass this legislation and ensure AM radio’s critical role is preserved in automobiles for all Americans.”
What’s next for the legislation?
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act’s failure to advance this year may prove to be a temporary delay as supporters prepare to renew their efforts with new Congressional leadership in 2025 as core changes may reinvigorate the Act’s legislative journey.
The Act, which would mandate automakers include AM radio in all new vehicles due to its critical role in emergency communication, stalled under the current Senate majority. Despite bipartisan backing and strong support from Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has yet to bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote since it passed out of committee in July 2023.
Should the Act restart its legislative process in the new Congress, optimism for its success may rise with Republicans in control of the Senate. Prominent broadcast attorney Frank Montero recently shared his regulatory outlook with Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink, saying, “I would feel optimistic about the AM Act’s chances under a Republican-led Senate.”
The transition in Senate leadership also brings a key change in committee oversight. Senator Ted Cruz, who has championed the AM Act as Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, is poised to ascend to Chair. This shift could streamline the Act’s progress, especially given Cruz’s vocal support for AM radio.
Then there is pledged support from President-elect Trump. On February 22, 2024, President-elect Trump publicly endorsed protecting AM radio during the National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention in Nashville.
With Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) retiring after decades in leadership, respected South Dakota Senator John Thune will assume the role of Senate Majority Leader in the 119th Congress. At Forecast 2025, LeGeyt praised Thune’s leadership and emphasized his proven commitment to broadcasters’ priorities in Washington, saying Thune will be “a tremendous leader.”
While the AM Act’s future hinges on the changing political dynamics, broadcasters, and supporters remain hopeful that new leadership in the Senate will provide the momentum needed to finally pass the measure.
— With editing from RBR+TVBR in Washington, D.C.
