U.S. House Committee Advances AM Radio Bill

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 2:05pm CT

U.S. Congress

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 (H.R. 979) by a lopsided 50-1 vote, marking the latest step toward requiring automakers to keep AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in all new passenger vehicles.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), directs the Department of Transportation to mandate AM radio capabilities in cars, trucks, and vans sold in the U.S. Supporters argue that AM radio remains critical for delivering emergency alerts and essential local programming, particularly during crises and natural disasters.

The legislation has gained remarkable momentum in Congress. With 299 House cosponsors and 61 in the Senate - a filibuster-proof majority - the bill ranks as the third most-cosponsored measure of the current Congress, trailing only initiatives supporting veterans with disabilities and commemorating the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey team.

New polling highlights strong public support as well. According to a recent national survey, 83% of Americans say they consider AM radio in cars critical to public safety, citing the medium's role in providing free access to emergency information and public warnings.

"Today's decisive committee vote sends a clear message: AM radio remains essential to public safety, and every American deserves access to it in their car," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "We thank Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis, Ranking Member Pallone and members of the committee for overwhelmingly advancing this bipartisan legislation. Policymakers and consumers alike recognize AM radio's essential role in delivering emergency alerts and reliable information when it matters most. We urge House and Senate leadership to move swiftly to pass this bill and preserve this vital service for the American public."

Key Provisions

• Mandated Access: The Department of Transportation (DOT) would be required to issue rules making AM broadcast radio a standard feature in all passenger vehicles.

• Consumer Protections: Automakers could not charge extra for AM access, and vehicles sold before the rule's effective date must be clearly labeled if they do not include AM radio.

• Emergency Communications: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would conduct a study on AM's role in emergency alerting and whether alternatives can replicate its reach.

• Sunset Clause: The legislation includes a 10-year sunset provision, a concession to automakers and technology advocates who have resisted a permanent mandate.

With House committee approval, the measure now heads toward a full floor vote. If passed, it will move to the Senate, where it already enjoys broad bipartisan backing led by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA).

The bill has also garnered support from more than 125 organizations, including the National Emergency Management Association, AARP, the American Farm Bureau Federation, Native Public Media, SAG-AFTRA, and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.

Given its widespread support, industry observers say the legislation has its best chance yet of reaching President Trump's desk before the end of 2025, ensuring that AM radio remains a free, accessible, and reliable resource in vehicles nationwide.