The United States House of Representatives has approved the bi-partisan bill, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which has been introduced under the bill number H.R. 979. This bill is aimed at ensuring that AM broadcast radio is available in all new cars. The legislation passed via voice vote when rules were suspended and had 317 co-sponsors. This legislation was sponsored by Congressmen Gus Bilirakis and Frank Pallone Jr. This legislation will mandate the Department of Transportation to come up with guidelines for AM radio equipment in new cars.

This bill comes against a backdrop where some car manufacturers have already excluded AM radio reception in their new cars, especially electric ones, owing to possible electromagnetic interference caused by high voltage and electric motors in such cars. Proponents of this bill justify it by citing the importance of AM radio for emergencies, local broadcasts, and news. This House approval shifts focus to the Senate, which has its own bill on the issue S. 315.

1. House Passes the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

H.R. 979, officially known as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, passed the House through a voice vote under a suspension of the rules. The measure had accumulated 317 co-sponsors and was led by Representatives Gus Bilirakis, a Republican from Florida, and Frank Pallone Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey. Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, also helped champion an earlier version of the legislation during the 118th Congress. The bill would establish a federal requirement for AM broadcast radio access in new passenger vehicles.

House Bill Highlights:

• Bill number is H.R. 979
• Passed by House voice vote
• 317 co-sponsors supported it
• Led by Bilirakis and Pallone
• Requires AM radio access

The legislation directs the Department of Transportation to work with the FCC and FEMA on a formal rule. Under the proposed timeline, the transportation secretary would have one year after enactment to issue the rule. Automakers would generally have up to two years after publication to comply, while certain smaller manufacturers would receive at least four years for the required technical changes. The bill also specifies that AM capability must be provided without an additional charge to consumers.

2. Proposed Requirements for Automakers

The bill would mandate AM broadcast radio to be built into all new passenger vehicles. The bill would also mandate transparency disclosures for manufacturers to make to customers when selling vehicles without working AM reception during the phase-in period. The bill would prohibit automakers from imposing any fee on consumers for access to AM broadcast radio, which would encourage the development of new products and services for AM broadcasts, and would clarify AM’s mandates during the phase-in.

Proposed Vehicle Requirements:

• AM radio as standard equipment
• No separate consumer fee
• Clear transition disclosures
• DOT responsible for rulemaking
• Smaller manufacturers get more time

The proposed framework recognizes that manufacturers may need time to modify vehicle designs and radio systems. Most importantly, the measure connects AM access with the vehicle itself rather than treating the feature as an optional subscription service. The legislation therefore establishes a specific equipment requirement while allowing different compliance periods depending on the size and circumstances of the manufacturer.

3. AM Radio’s Role During Emergencies

One of the arguments that is being put forward by those who are in favor of this bill is the fact that AM radio will help during times of emergencies. Severe weather and other natural disasters can affect the functioning of cellular towers and the Internet, as well as the electricity. The local AM radio stations will be able to function even if there are disruptions in other forms of communication.

Emergency Communication Role:

• Provides local broadcast information
• Can operate during network disruptions
• Reaches drivers through vehicle radios
• Supports emergency updates
• Covers severe weather information

House Speaker Mike Johnson also highlighted the role of local AM stations during hurricanes and tornadoes, particularly in states such as Louisiana. Representative Frank Pallone referred to Superstorm Sandy in New Jersey, when electricity, cellular infrastructure, cable, and internet services were disrupted. According to Pallone, radio listenership in his district increased 247 percent during the storm as residents sought critical information. These examples are among the reasons supporters continue to emphasize AM broadcasting as part of emergency communication infrastructure.

4. AM Radio Audience and Local Broadcasting

AM Radio Still Reaches Millions Of Americans AM radio still reaches millions of people. According to data from Nielsen used in the legislation, there are more than 80 million Americans who tune in to AM radio stations each month, accounting for about 23 percent of the US population. According to industry figures, more than 50 million Americans listen to AM broadcasts daily for news, sports, weather and community talk. There are more than 4,300 active AM radio stations in the US, according to the FCC.

AM Radio Audience Data:

• More than 80 million monthly listeners
• About 23 percent of U.S. population
• More than 50 million regular users
• Over 4,300 AM stations
• Programming includes news and weather

Older Americans are another significant part of the AM radio audience. Research highlighted by AARP indicates that 86 percent of Americans aged 50 and older have access to AM radio in their cars or trucks, while approximately one-third of those older drivers listen to AM programming while traveling. AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Bill Sweeney supported the House action and emphasized the role AM radio continues to play for older adults. These figures illustrate the continued presence of AM broadcasting even as vehicle technology changes.

5. AM Radio and the National Public Warning System

AM broadcast stations also have a role in the nation’s emergency warning infrastructure. Certain stations operate as Primary Entry Points within the National Public Warning System, allowing emergency information to reach communities during severe weather, national emergencies, health events, and other threats. FEMA supports the maintenance of these facilities so they can continue operating during major disruptions, including situations involving widespread power failures.

Public Warning Infrastructure:

• Part of national warning systems
• Includes Primary Entry Points
• Supports emergency alerts
• Covers severe weather events
• Designed for major disruptions

The role of these stations extends beyond ordinary entertainment or daily programming. Their long-range broadcast capabilities can help distribute information over large areas when other communications infrastructure is affected. Supporters of H.R. 979 therefore connect vehicle-based AM access with the broader emergency broadcasting network, particularly because cars can provide a source of power and mobility for people seeking information during outages.

6. Broadcaster Support for the Legislation

A range of broadcasting organizations and executives have expressed support for the House passage of the bill. The National Religious Broadcasters, National Association of Broadcasters, New Jersey Broadcasters Association, Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Colorado Broadcasters Association, and major broadcasting companies have all highlighted AM radio’s role in local communities and emergency communication. Their statements focus on maintaining access to free over-the-air broadcasting through vehicles.

Broadcasting Industry Support:

• National broadcasters support the measure
• Local associations back AM access
• Emergency communication is emphasized
• Community connection remains important
• Free broadcasting is a key issue

National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt credited the congressional sponsors and bipartisan coalition following the House vote. Representatives of local broadcasting organizations similarly pointed to AM radio’s long history of providing news, sports, entertainment, and emergency information. Corporate broadcasting executives, including iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman, also described AM radio as an important communication resource during disasters and power outages.

7. Automakers Removing AM Radio from Vehicles

The legislation follows a broader trend in which some automakers have removed AM receivers from newer vehicle models. Tesla, BMW, Mazda, Volkswagen, Rivian, Polestar, and Volvo have eliminated AM capability from certain electric vehicles. Ford announced plans to remove AM radio from its vehicle lineup beginning with the 2024 model year but later reversed that decision after the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act was introduced in 2023.

Automaker AM Radio Changes:

• Several EVs have removed AM
• Tesla is among affected brands
• BMW has removed AM from some EVs
• Ford reversed an announced removal
• Technical issues affect EV integration

The technical issue often cited by automakers involves electromagnetic interference. Electric motors and high-voltage battery systems can produce electrical noise that interferes with AM signals, potentially causing distortion or reduced reception quality. Maintaining AM reception in an electric vehicle can therefore require additional engineering and electromagnetic shielding. Some manufacturers have chosen to remove the feature rather than make those modifications for a system they considered less essential to modern vehicle users.

8. Alternative Vehicle Communication Systems

Some automakers and industry opponents of federal requirements have argued that drivers already have access to other communication technologies. Satellite radio, cellular emergency alerts, FM broadcasts, and digital services can provide news, weather, and emergency information. At the same time, supporters of the legislation argue that these systems can experience different forms of disruption during major disasters and therefore should not necessarily replace AM broadcasting as an available option.

Alternative Communication Options:

• Satellite radio
• Cellular emergency alerts
• FM radio
• Digital communication services
• AM broadcast radio

Ten major automakers identified in the source continue to provide AM radio access across their lineups, including Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia, Lucid, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Subaru. The debate therefore involves both technological alternatives and the continued availability of traditional broadcast infrastructure. The legislation seeks to establish AM access as a standard feature rather than relying entirely on individual manufacturer decisions.

9. Estimated Costs and Legislative History

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the federal mandate would affect approximately 2 million to 2.5 million new vehicles sold in the United States each year. Because most modern electric vehicles already include FM radio capabilities, the direct cost of adding AM reception hardware is expected to be relatively limited. However, the CBO noted uncertainty surrounding the expenses manufacturers could face when developing solutions for electromagnetic interference from electric powertrains. The federal government is projected to spend approximately $1 million over five years implementing the legislation.

CBO and Legislative Details:

• 2-2.5 million vehicles affected annually
• FM systems already common
• AM hardware costs expected to be limited
• EV interference costs remain uncertain
• About $1 million federal cost over five years

The legislation has also moved through several stages before reaching the House floor. In September 2025, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced H.R. 979 by a 50-1 vote. The measure was later attached to Chairman Brett Guthrie’s surface transportation package in May before House Majority Leader Steve Scalise removed it from the stalled package and brought it forward as a standalone measure. That process eventually led to the House voice vote and passage.

10. Senate Consideration and Next Steps

Following House passage, the legislation’s next major stage is consideration in the Senate. The Senate companion bill, S. 315, is sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, and Senator Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts. The measure previously advanced through the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in April 2025 and is listed on the Legislative Calendar under General Orders. The source states that more than 60 bipartisan Senate co-sponsors have signed onto the measure.

Senate Bill Details:

• Senate bill is S. 315
• Sponsored by Cruz and Markey
• Committee advanced it in 2025
• Listed under General Orders
• More than 60 co-sponsors

The timing of Senate consideration depends on the chamber’s legislative schedule and available floor time. The source notes that the Senate calendar includes a recess covering much of October ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, followed by limited sitting days around the Veterans Day observance. If the Senate does not consider the legislation before the October recess, further action could take place during the post-election session in November or December. The legislation would still require final passage and presidential action before becoming law.