AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

The lights have been off in the House for the past five weeks, and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has said he may keep the chamber in recess until the federal government shutdown is over.

What some critics have referred to as an unscheduled “paid vacation” for lawmakers means the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979) will not make it to the floor anytime soon for a vote.

But that may not be all bad. In the four weeks since the House went into recess, three more names have been added to the list of co-sponsors. The House version of the bill is now being sponsored by 307 members.

When the House does finally return to regular business, broadcasters are hoping leadership will bring the AM bill up for a vote as quickly as possible.

One hurdle has been removed in recent weeks with an amended version, supporters have agreed to a compromise that would sunset the requirement two years earlier.

It means that rather than mandating AM radio remain in passenger cars for 10 years, the bill will require the service for eight years.