President Donald Trump is again voicing support for legislation that would require AM radio to be included in all passenger vehicles, a pledge he first made during his 2024 campaign. Trump has framed the issue as one of “access and public communication,” arguing that AM radio continues to play a role for millions of Americans, particularly in rural areas and during emergencies. He described the proposal as a significant policy matter that is often overlooked, adding that he expects movement on the issue, though he did not provide a timeline.

The ‘AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act’ has drawn strong bipartisan backing in Congress, with more than 300 members of the U.S. House and over 60 senators listed as co-sponsors. Despite that support, the measure has yet to receive a floor vote, as congressional leadership has been cautious about advancing legislation outside of broader, must-pass packages among other priorities.

Supporters argue that maintaining AM radio access in vehicles is critical for public safety, especially in rural communities where AM stations remain a primary source of local news, weather updates and emergency alerts. Those in favor of the bill also point to AM radio’s role during natural disasters and infrastructure failures, when other forms of communication may be unavailable or unreliable. The National Association of Broadcasters has expressed optimism that growing awareness among lawmakers and the public is building momentum for the bill’s advancement.

If brought to a vote, it is widely expected to pass given the size of the bipartisan support behind the piece of legislation. The bill would require automakers to include AM radio in passenger vehicles for the next decade, prohibit manufacturers from charging extra for the feature, and direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue warning labels on vehicles that do not include AM radio.

More than 125 organizations have endorsed the measure, including emergency management agencies, agricultural groups, labor organizations and advocacy groups representing older Americans.