The previous session of Congress adjourned in late 2025 before the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act could be put on the calendar. Now it is there and the date is coming up fast.

The measure, which has the support of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, calls for all new passenger vehicles made or sold in the United States to have fully functioning AM broadcast radios as standard equipment, at no additional cost to buyers.

Its cosponsors are Florida Republican Gus Bilirakis and New Jersey Democrat Frank Pallone in the House of Representatives and Texas Republican Ted Cruz and Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey in the Senate. There are 61 cosponsors in the Senate and 317 cosponsors in the House. The auto industry has spoken against continuing to provide AM radio and says it is particularly troublesome in electric vehicles, which interfere with the signals.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said in a statement that he was hopeful, adding [quote] "AM radio is an indispensable lifeline during emergencies, a trusted source of news and information, and a vital connection for communities nationwide. Now is the time to finish the job." [endquote] The measure would still require the signature of the president, who has previously expressed his support.