AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

This week’s push by broadcasters to accelerate action on a bill that would require AM in vehicle dashboard aims to keep the legislation from getting lost in the noise of Washington in an election year.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), who controls what is brought to the floor, is also getting a public push to bring the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act up for a vote.

During an appearance on Salem Radio Network’s “Hugh Hewitt Show” on Monday, President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said they supported the bill that has been a top priority for the radio industry.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R.979/S. 315) would mandate AM in passenger vehicles for eight years and require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring warning labels on vehicles that don’t.

The bill has had significant momentum. It has 318 House co-sponsors and the support of 61 Senators after advancing through both chambers with near-unanimous support. Radio’s push has now pivoted from building support to finding legislative time.

Dozens of broadcasters barnstormed Capitol Hill on Tuesday, along with representatives from AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency managers.

The National Association of Broadcasters says their message to lawmakers was simple — passage of the bill is overdue.