Image by Reinhard Thrainer from Pixabay

AARP-supported GUARD Act, Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act, and AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act now move to U.S. Senate for consideration.

September 17, 2026 - WASHINGTON – AARP applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing three bipartisan bills on Tuesday that address real challenges Americans face every day, including grappling with a rising flood of fraud and scams and accessing critical news and emergency information.  
 
In a session late Tuesday evening, the House voted to pass the GUARD Act, which would provide federal resources to state and local law enforcement to investigate and crack down on scams, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act, which would restore a federal tax deduction to ensure that scam victims aren't forced to pay taxes on money stolen from them, and the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require AM radios to remain standard in vehicles so people can access emergency alerts and news.

AARP has spent years advocating for all three bills alongside bipartisan coalitions of members, partners, experts and advocates, and is thankful to the House for their leadership in working to address the real concerns facing Americans across the country. The next step is the U.S. Senate, where AARP urges lawmakers to follow the House’s lead and advance all three bills without delay. 
 
AARP Senior Vice President, Government Affairs Bill Sweeney issued the following comments on each bill: 

On the GUARD Act: “In a moment where Americans, especially older adults, are losing billions of dollars in hard-earned savings to scammers, the GUARD Act is exactly the kind of bipartisan action we need to crack down on criminals and ensure justice for victims.”  

On the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act: “For too many Americans, after a criminal steals their life savings, they find they owe tens of thousands of dollars to the IRS in tax bills on money that was stolen from them. This legislation would help victims rebuild their financial security and dignity.” 

On the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act: “We thank the House for their leadership in advancing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, and urge the Senate to follow suit. Particularly in rural areas where wireless and broadband connections are limited or nonexistent, AM Radio is critical. AM radio not only helps people stay connected through news and targeted programming but also serves as a vital public safety tool to alert people ahead of any natural disaster.”