AM Radio Bill Congress Update

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is headed for a standalone vote in the House the week of Sept. 14, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) announced Thursday.

Scalise said the legislation had previously been attached to another must-pass bill, but that legislative vehicle subsequently ran into problems. Rather than allow the AM radio legislation to remain stalled, Scalise said he decided to bring it directly to the House floor.

The announcement drew an immediate response from the National Association of Broadcasters. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said broadcasters “applaud” Scalise's decision to bring the bill forward for a standalone vote, calling it an important step for legislation that has earned “overwhelming bipartisan support” in Congress and across the country.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would require AM radio capability to remain available in new vehicles, even as automakers introduce newer entertainment and communications technologies.

The bill's path through the Senate remains the next major hurdle. Scalise says he expects the House to send the legislation to the Senate following passage, where he hopes lawmakers will move quickly enough to put it on President Donald Trump's desk.

Scalise also said he had discussed the legislation with Trump and told the president that the House would be taking it up.

According to Scalise, Trump is supportive of the bill and “ready to sign this bill.”

The NAB is now urging House members to pass the legislation, pointing to AM radio's role during emergencies as well as its broader reach across communities.