Clock Ticks On AM Radio Bill As Congress Returns For Final Push.

The final weeks of the 119th Congress are set to begin as lawmakers return to Washington after a monumental week in politics. It will be the most congressional lame ducks since the Watergate era, with Republicans racing to get as much as they can accomplished while they are still in control. For radio, the biggest goal remains passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R.979/S. 315).

The bill was overwhelmingly approved in the House before the election, and the odds of clearing the Senate have been considered good. The AM legislation passed out of committee in the Senate in February 2025. Similar to the House, it has widespread support with 61 Senators backing the legislation — enough to block any potential filibuster attempt.

The biggest challenge remains the limited attention of Senators, who will be working to not only take up several must-pass bills, but also work through a list of President Trump’s nominations while they are still in control — including holding a confirmation hearing for Danielle Thumann Severs for a seat on the Federal Communications Commission.

The size of the Democrats’ wins last week is said to be upending some of the lame-duck plans. The focus has been on a government funding bill to avoid a pre-holiday shutdown, the defense reauthorization bill and additional money for the war in Iran, as well as a farm bill, and a series of permitting reform measures. But one source told The Hill that some lawmakers who lost their seats may not even bother showing up.

The National Association of Broadcasters has been encouraging broadcasters to lobby their members during the election recess, and it remains hopeful the AM bill will pass if it comes to a vote. Spokesperson Carrie Healey points out it has overwhelming bipartisan support.

“We are focused on working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get this critical legislation across the finish line before the end of the year,” Healey says in an email. “While the legislative landscape continues to take shape following the midterms, we are pursuing every available path to Senate passage during the lame-duck session.”

President Trump has pledged he will sign the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act when it makes it to his desk. “I like the idea,” Trump said during an appearance on Salem Radio Network’s “Hugh Hewitt Show” in July.

Gavel Battle

Much of Washington is already focused on January, however. That includes jockeying for who will run congressional committees.

In the House, a familiar face is poised to lead the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has oversight of several radio issues. “In the days ahead, I will be asking my Democratic colleagues for their support to serve as Chairman,” Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) confirmed. He’s currently the top Democrat on the Committee, and has been a supporter of several radio issues through the years — including as a lead co-sponsor for the AM bill. He also pushed for change in federal designation giving broadcasters “first informer” status and has advocated for greater diversity in media ownership. As chairman, Pallone says his focus would be on issues like reining in Big Tech as well as well as affordability and consumer protection measures.

If Pallone is successful, he will succeed Rep. Bret Guthrie (R-KY), who won last week — which means he could become the top Republican on the Committee.

The House Communications Subcommittee, where radio-related issues are typically heard first, is set to be run by Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA). Her election hasn’t yet been called, but she holds a sizable lead. Things are less clear on the Republican side after Subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC) was defeated.

In the Senate, Democrat Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is poised to take over the Commerce Committee — where most radio and FCC issues land. Current Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) is expected to remain the GOP’s top member on the Committee.

The Senate Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee’s top Democrat, Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) could become chairman. That would make Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) its ranking member.

Bipartisan Broadcasters

The balance of power may be changing in Washington, but broadcasters have long benefited from bipartisan appeal of most issues. NAB believes that remains intact.

“Election night is a powerful reminder of the essential role local radio and television stations play in keeping Americans informed and connected,” Healey says. “Regardless of which party holds power in Washington, the importance of trusted local journalism and the need to ensure broadcasters can continue serving their communities remain unchanged.”