House Passes New Rule For Vehicles

Congress is moving closer to requiring automakers to keep AM radio in new cars, trucks and SUVs sold across the United States, a move supporters say could preserve an important source of emergency information for millions of Americans.

The House of Representatives has approved the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, H.R. 979, sending the legislation to the Senate for further action.

If enacted, the measure would require new passenger vehicles sold in the United States to provide access to AM broadcast stations as standard equipment — without forcing consumers to pay an additional fee.

The proposal has attracted substantial support from Republicans and Democrats, reflecting growing concern in Congress over the disappearance of AM receivers from some newer vehicles.

Why Congress Wants AM Radio in New Cars

Supporters of the legislation say AM radio remains particularly valuable during hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, power outages and other major emergencies.

Modern smartphones and internet services provide Americans with numerous ways to receive alerts, but those systems can become less reliable when cellular towers lose power, networks become overloaded or internet service is interrupted.

Traditional broadcast radio can provide another way for drivers and families to receive weather warnings, evacuation instructions and local emergency information.

That public-safety argument has become one of the central reasons lawmakers from both parties are supporting the legislation.

AM Radio Can Become Critical During Emergencies

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., has emphasized the importance of AM broadcasting when other communications systems fail.

Following House passage, Gottheimer described AM radio as a “lifeline,” particularly when storms or emergencies disrupt electricity, cellular networks and internet service.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has also highlighted the importance of radio broadcasts in states vulnerable to hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather.

For residents in rural communities and areas affected by major natural disasters, traditional radio can remain one of several important ways to receive timely information.

What the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Would Do

The legislation would direct the Department of Transportation to establish regulations requiring AM broadcast access in new passenger vehicles.

The central requirements are straightforward:

• AM radio would have to remain available in qualifying new vehicles.
• Automakers could not charge consumers an extra fee simply to access AM broadcasts.
• Manufacturers selling vehicles without AM reception during the transition period would have to clearly disclose that information to buyers.
• Federal regulators would receive time to establish the final technical requirements.
• Certain smaller manufacturers would receive additional time to comply.

The proposal does not prevent automakers from continuing to offer newer technologies such as satellite radio, internet-based audio services, smartphone integration or FM broadcasting.

Instead, it would preserve AM reception alongside those newer options.

Why Some Automakers Have Removed AM Radio

The congressional push follows decisions by several automakers to eliminate AM receivers from certain newer models.

The issue has been especially noticeable with electric vehicles.

Automakers have said electric motors, batteries and high-voltage electrical systems can generate electromagnetic interference that makes AM reception more difficult.

The automotive industry has also questioned whether the federal government should mandate a particular broadcasting technology.

Industry representatives have argued that drivers increasingly receive emergency information through smartphones, cellular alerts, FM radio, satellite services and connected-vehicle systems.

Supporters of the AM radio legislation say those technologies should complement traditional broadcasting rather than replace it entirely.

The Emergency Alert Debate

Emergency communications have changed dramatically over the past several decades.

Smartphones now deliver government alerts directly to millions of Americans. Newer vehicles can provide connected navigation, weather warnings and real-time traffic information.

But those systems generally rely on cellular networks, internet connections or other infrastructure.

Radio broadcasts operate differently.

That distinction is one reason emergency preparedness organizations and lawmakers have continued to emphasize the usefulness of traditional broadcasting when other communications infrastructure is damaged or unavailable.

The debate therefore centers less on whether newer technology is useful and more on whether motorists should retain access to an additional communications option during emergencies.

Bipartisan Support Builds in Washington

The AM radio proposal has generated support from lawmakers across the political spectrum.

In the Senate, Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., have led the companion legislation.

Their Senate proposal advanced through the Senate Commerce Committee in February 2025.

By April 2025, Cruz and Markey announced that the legislation had reached 60 Senate cosponsors, demonstrating unusually broad bipartisan support.

Following the House vote in September 2026, Cruz and Markey renewed their call for Senate passage, saying AM broadcasting continues to provide emergency information, news, entertainment and sports to millions of Americans.

Why AM Radio Still Matters to Millions of Americans

Despite major changes in technology, traditional radio remains familiar to generations of American drivers.

AM stations continue to provide:

• Local and national news
• Weather reports
• Emergency alerts
• Talk programming
• Sports coverage
• Traffic information
• Community programming
• Religious broadcasting

For older Americans in particular, radio has been a standard feature in vehicles for decades.

The congressional proposal would ensure that motorists who still depend on the technology are not required to purchase additional equipment or subscriptions simply to receive an AM station.

What Would Change for Car Buyers?

Most consumers would likely notice little difference if their vehicle already includes AM radio.

The greatest impact would be on manufacturers considering removing AM reception from future vehicles.

Under the proposed rules, qualifying new vehicles would need to provide drivers with access to AM stations without a separate subscription or additional purchase.

That could be particularly meaningful for motorists who travel through rural areas where cellular coverage can be limited.

It could also provide drivers with another communications option during severe weather or widespread infrastructure disruptions.

Automakers Raise Concerns About Federal Mandate

Not everyone supports Washington requiring AM receivers in vehicles.

Automakers and industry groups have argued that federal rules should allow manufacturers greater flexibility as vehicle technology changes.

They also point to the growing number of alternative emergency communication systems now available to motorists.

The debate highlights a broader question facing policymakers: Should older technologies be preserved when they still provide public-safety benefits, even as newer alternatives become widespread?

Congress appears increasingly interested in preserving AM radio as one of those options.

What Happens to the AM Radio Bill Next?

The House has completed its action, but the legislation still needs Senate approval before it can advance toward becoming law.

Cruz and Markey said after the House vote that it was time for the Senate to complete work on the measure.

As of September 19, 2026, final Senate passage had not occurred.

If the Senate approves the legislation and any differences between the House and Senate versions are resolved, the measure could then be presented to the president.

Until then, the future of mandatory AM radio access in new vehicles remains unresolved.

Bottom Line

The debate over AM radio may seem unusual in an era dominated by smartphones, streaming services and connected vehicles.

But supporters argue that the century-old broadcasting technology still serves a practical purpose.

During ordinary driving, AM radio offers news, sports, talk programming and local information.

During a serious emergency, supporters say it can become something more important: another way for Americans to receive potentially critical information when other communication systems are unavailable.

With bipartisan support already established in both chambers of Congress, lawmakers are now deciding whether AM radio should remain a standard feature in the next generation of American vehicles.