Two Bilirakis Bills Advance Out of Committee, Headed to House Floor for Vote

Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced seven pieces of legislation, including two key bipartisan initiatives led by U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). Both measures are now poised for a vote on the House floor.

One of the measures, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, underscores the importance of AM radio as a critical tool for emergency communication. For decades, AM radio has served as a vital source of news, entertainment, sports, and music for tens of millions of Americans-particularly while on the road. The bipartisan bill directs the Department of Transportation to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in all new motor vehicles, ensuring universal access to AM radio at no additional cost to consumers.

"To maximize public safety and ensure access to every available communication channel, we must maintain a strong and widely accessible emergency alert system," said Congressman Bilirakis. "Every hurricane season, Floridians depend on timely information to make potentially life-saving decisions-whether to evacuate, shelter in place, or seek help. AM radio remains a trusted and far-reaching resource, especially in rural and underserved areas where alternative forms of communication may be limited. With most radio listening taking place in vehicles, it's essential we preserve this accessible and reliable medium for all Americans."

The second Bilirakis-led initiative to pass out of committee is a comprehensive legislative package aimed at accelerating the development of pediatric cancer treatments and expanding access to life-saving therapies for children with rare diseases. The bill combines multiple pieces of legislation that Bilirakis has long supported. The package will strengthen incentives for pediatric drug development, improve patient outcomes, and address long-standing gaps in research for rare childhood diseases.

"The Give Kids a Chance Act builds on successful efforts to deliver new treatments for children facing cancer and other devastating rare conditions," said Bilirakis. "The FDA's Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program has already helped bring 53 new treatment options to market. Unfortunately, the FDA's authority to issue these vouchers has expired. As Co-Chair of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, restoring this vital program is one of my top priorities."

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month- a stark reminder that more than 1500 kids die from cancer in America each year. Additionally, the package codifies the practice of awarding orphan drug exclusivity based on a product's FDA-approved indication rather than the broader disease category.

"These changes continue to drive innovation and investment in therapies for smaller patient populations. While we've made important progress, far too many children are still lost to rare diseases and cancer. I'm proud to help lead the charge to give families more hope and better outcomes," Bilirakis added.