U.S. House Passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 2:07pm CT

U.S. House Passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on Tuesday, advancing legislation that would require automakers to maintain access to AM broadcast radio in new passenger vehicles sold in the United States. The measure, H.R. 979, was approved by voice vote and now moves to the Senate.

The bill directs the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency, to establish a requirement for AM broadcast receivers in new passenger vehicles as standard equipment.

The National Association of Broadcasters welcomed the House action, pointing to AM radio's role in emergency communications, news and local information.

"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," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.

LeGeyt thanked House leadership, lead cosponsors Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) and the bipartisan coalition supporting the legislation. He said NAB will continue working with the Senate bill's sponsors and cosponsors to advance the measure.

iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman also praised the House action, calling passage "a significant victory for public safety, local communities and the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio every day." Pittman's title is confirmed by iHeartMedia's corporate filings and website.

Pittman said AM radio remains an important source of local emergency information, news and weather alerts, particularly during natural disasters, power outages and other emergencies when other communications networks may be disrupted.

"For more than a century broadcast radio has been there when Americans need it most," Pittman said. "And today, during natural disasters, power outages and other emergencies, AM radio continues to serve as a trusted lifeline."

He also thanked Bilirakis and Pallone for building bipartisan support for the measure and cited the House Energy and Commerce Committee's earlier approval. The committee advanced H.R. 979 by a 50-1 vote in September 2025.

v Public safety organizations have also supported the legislation. Groups representing firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical services have argued that AM broadcasting can remain available during emergencies when cellular or internet communications are limited or disrupted.

Pittman said iHeartMedia will now work with Senate leadership and Senate sponsors Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) as the legislation moves to the chamber.

The House vote does not make the measure law. The Senate must also approve the legislation before it can be sent to the president.