Washington, D.C. – Broadcasters from 31 states, along with representatives from AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency managers, are on Capitol Hill today delivering a strong message to members of Congress: it is time to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
This legislation, which would ensure AM radio remains available in new vehicles, has united an extraordinary coalition of support, including an overwhelming number of bipartisan cosponsors in Congress, the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump and backing from first responders, emergency managers, public safety organizations and community leaders nationwide. Broadcasters are on Capitol Hill today urging lawmakers to capitalize on that momentum and get the bill across the finish line.
"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. We are grateful to our congressional champions who have led this bipartisan effort every step of the way. Congress has everything it needs to act. It is time to finish the job and send this bill to the president's desk."
The fly-in began Monday evening with an issue briefing for attendees and a reception highlighting the broad coalition supporting the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Today, local broadcasters and AM radio advocates are delivering a united message directly to lawmakers on Capitol Hill: finish the job and pass the bill.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S. 315/H.R. 979), led by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA) and Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), would ensure AM radio remains available in new vehicles, preserving Americans' access to trusted local news, emergency information and public safety alerts.
The legislation has earned overwhelming bipartisan support, with 61 senators and 316 representatives cosponsoring the bill. The Senate Commerce Committee has approved the legislation, and the House Energy and Commerce Committee included it in its bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization package.
The bill is also supported by more than 125 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.
The National Association of Broadcasters advocates for policies and technological innovations that empower America’s local television and radio stations to serve every community with trusted journalism, vital emergency information and the sports and entertainment that bring Americans together. Learn more at nab.org.
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