House Sets Vote on AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 0:09am CT

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is headed to the House floor for a standalone vote during the week of Sept. 14, marking a significant step forward for legislation that would require automakers to keep AM radio in new vehicles.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) has scheduled the vote following a multi-year lobbying effort by broadcasters and supporters of the measure. The legislation would require AM radio to be included as standard equipment in new vehicles, including electric vehicles, at no additional charge to consumers.

The measure is H.R. 979 in the House and S. 315 in the Senate. It is led by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), along with Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA). Combined House and Senate cosponsorship had topped 370 lawmakers as of late July.

National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt welcomed the scheduling of the vote, calling it "an important step forward for legislation that has earned overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and across the country."

LeGeyt thanked congressional leadership, the bill's lead sponsors and hundreds of lawmakers from both parties who have supported the legislation.

"Our listeners have also made their voices heard loud and clear: AM radio is an indispensable lifeline during emergencies, a trusted source of news and information, and a vital connection for communities nationwide," LeGeyt said.

The planned vote follows years of congressional activity on the proposal, including committee consideration in both chambers. A government shutdown-related delay last fall and a crowded congressional calendar had kept the measure from reaching the House floor, while broadcasters mounted a campaign this summer urging leadership to schedule a vote before the current Congress runs out of legislative days.

"Now is the time to finish the job," LeGeyt said. "We urge every member of the House to vote to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and preserve access to this essential public safety resource in every vehicle."