Bill would require AM radio in all new cars within two years

Passed one chamberH.R. 979Latest action Sep 16, 2026

Sponsor: Gus M. Bilirakis · Representative · FL

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

119th Congress

Topics: AI & technology

Introduced: February 5, 2025

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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New passenger vehicles would need standard, free AM radio receivers under a rule this bill requires DOT to write.

45-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

The bill would require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule mandating AM radio receivers as standard, no-cost equipment in new passenger vehicles. Automakers would get up to two years to comply, with smaller manufacturers (40,000 or fewer U.S. vehicles sold in 2022) getting at least four years. Before finalizing the rule, DOT must study whether AM reception causes problems in vehicles with advanced self-driving systems.

Who does it affect?

Car manufacturers face new equipment requirements and possible penalties; car buyers gain guaranteed AM radio access. Emergency management agencies, radio broadcasters, and rural communities relying on AM alerts are also affected.

Why does it matter?

Automakers have been removing AM radio from newer models, partly due to electric motor interference, raising concerns about emergency alert access, especially in rural or disaster situations. The rule would also block states from setting their own related rules and would expire after eight years unless renewed.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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IntroducedFeb 5, 2025
House committee
House vote
SenateYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
The president's desk

Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: September 16, 2026 — Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 622.

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How it's being covered

Coverage of this bill from across the press. Each outlet's political lean is labeled where AllSides has rated it, and marked "Not rated" where it has not.

Newest of these articles: Oct 3, 2026

chicago.suntimes.com
Not rated
Lawmakers look to require AM radio in new cars despite automakers' pushback
Oct 3, 2026
“The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would require automakers to include AM radio in new vehicles at no additional cost to consumers.” — chicago.suntimes.com
familyhandyman.com
Not rated
Why the Government Wants To Keep AM Radio in Every New Car
Sep 24, 2026
“The House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Here’s what the bill could change for new cars and why AM still matters.” — familyhandyman.com
jpost.com
Center
US House of Representatives passes bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
Sep 20, 2026
“H.R. 979 directs the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a rule making AM radio standard equipment in n...” — jpost.com
caranddriver.com
Not rated
AM Radio Will Be Required in All New Cars If This Bill Becomes Law
Sep 19, 2026
“The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives and moves on to the U.S. Senate.” — caranddriver.com
thedrive.com
Not rated
The Future of AM Radio in Cars Just Got a Little More Certain
Sep 19, 2026
“A bill to mandate AM radio in new cars passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week.” — thedrive.com

Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.