The day is coming closer when new passenger vehicles sold in the United States would have to include AM radio.
The “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. It marks a major advance in a multi-year push by broadcasters who have worried about carmakers removing AM radio reception from vehicles, electric and otherwise.
Broadcasters, Christian organizations and advocates for older Americans are among those welcoming the vote.
The radio industry has pushed it as a measure to protect public safety, citing AM radio’s role in disseminating information in times of emergency. The legislation has also been seen as a key bulwark against the further erosion of radio’s place in the dashboard. While it does not mention FM, many radio leaders feel the bill’s passage would help protect FM’s role in the dashboard as well.
To become law the bill would have to pass the Senate and be signed by President Trump. He has said he supports the measure.
According to news reports, it passed by voice vote.
Watch Rep. Gus Bilirakis speaking about the bill before the vote.
AM radios provide an important way for Americans everywhere to recieve information during an emergency, but vehicle makers are beginning to remove them from cars.
Watch @RepGusBilirakis speak on why we need to pass this bill today to help keep Americans safe. pic.twitter.com/Pgv8RT2kxw
— Energy and Commerce Committee (@HouseCommerce) September 15, 2026
The National Association of Broadcasters welcomed the news.
President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a statement: “Today’s decisive House passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a significant step forward for the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio for lifesaving emergency information, trusted news and a vital connection to their communities. America’s broadcasters are deeply grateful to House leadership, lead cosponsors Reps. Bilirakis and Pallone and the overwhelming bipartisan coalition that made today’s vote possible.”
The NAB describes the bill as “critical public safety legislation.”
AARP has been pushing the legislation as well. Senior Vice President, Government Affairs Bill Sweeney reacted: “AM radio plays a significant role in the lives of so many Americans, particularly older adults. Today, 86% of Americans age 50 and over have access to an AM radio in their cars or trucks, and a third tune into AM programming while driving – for talk radio, music, or news. 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.”
The NRB, an association of Christian broadcasters, also hailed the step.
“The measure’s decisive, bipartisan vote in the House sends a clear message to the Senate, which must now pass the identical text before the bill reaches the president’s desk,” NRB said.
Nic Anderson, NRB vice president of public policy, released a statement: “Make no mistake: House passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a tremendous victory for Christian broadcasters and communicators across the country. AM radio remains a vital platform for sharing the Gospel, serving our communities, and delivering trusted, lifesaving information during emergencies.”
Anderson continued, “Today’s vote affirms that free, local, over-the-air radio still matters and must remain available in every vehicle for the next generation of listeners.”
The bill has been opposed by carmakers and the Consumer Technology Association.
CTA wrote to members last week: “Congress should not require every American buying a new car to pay for a specific technology simply because an incumbent industry wants the government to preserve its place in the dashboard. We have opposed this mandate for years because it is unnecessary, increases costs, limits consumer choice and sets a troubling precedent for government-mandated technology.”
CTA also said evidence does not support arguments that the bill would meaningfully improve safety. It said broadcasters have failed to demonstrate that AM stations are consistently staffed during emergencies or that Americans rely on AM radio as their primary source of emergency information. (Read CTA’s letter to Congress.)
Opponents have also argued that if Congress requires AM radio in new cars, vehicle manufacturers might have to drop safety features instead.
The bill would require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. Vehicles would be required to “have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers.”
The rule would expire in 10 years.
