WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US House of Representatives passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979) by voice vote on September 15, 2026. The legislation requires automakers to provide AM broadcast radio at no additional cost in every new passenger vehicle manufactured or imported into the United States.

H.R. 979 directs the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a rule making AM radio standard equipment in new passenger vehicles. Automakers would be prohibited from charging additional fees or subscriptions for access to AM stations under the bill.

US Representative Josh Gottheimer introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress. He framed the technology as essential for public safety during infrastructure failures.

"AM radio is a lifeline. When the power goes out, when the cell towers go down, and when the Internet cuts off during a storm or an emergency, AM radio is often the only way families can get the life-saving information they need," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer.

Companion legislation S.315 has more than 60 cosponsors in the Senate. Senators Ed Markey and Ted Cruz are co-sponsors of the Senate version of the bill.

S.315 previously cleared the Senate Commerce Committee. Ted Cruz chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The measure requires approval by the full Senate before it can be sent to the president.

Religious broadcasting groups supported the House action. Troy A. Miller, President and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, described the vote as beneficial for their sector. "For Christian communicators, this vote stands as a major victory for radio and free broadcast distribution as a whole," said Troy A. Miller, President and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters.

Why It Matters

The legislation addresses a shift in automotive manufacturing where AM radio was removed from some vehicles despite public safety uses. The bill mandates that the technology remain standard without extra charges, ensuring access for tens of millions of Americans who rely on the band for news and emergency information.

The passage in the House moves the issue to the Senate, where companion legislation has support. The outcome will determine whether federal regulators enforce the inclusion of AM receivers in all new passenger vehicles, impacting how drivers access information during power outages or cellular network failures.

Timeline

On January 1, 2024, Donald Trump stated his position on the issue. "I will protect the content that is pro-God. To that end, at the request of the NRB, I will do my part to protect AM radio in our cars," said Donald Trump at the NRB 2024 International Christian Media Convention.

On that same day, Senators Ed Markey and Ted Cruz issued a statement regarding the legislative progress. "This vote sends a clear message to car manufacturers that AM Radio is a lifeline that must be protected in new vehicles. From emergency response to sports, entertainment, and news, AM radio is an essential communication tool for tens of millions of Americans. It is now time for the Senate to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and for this legislation to become law so AM radio remains a trusted and essential resource for commuters and communities across the country," said Senators Ed Markey and Ted Cruz in a joint statement.

What's New

Later reporting noted specific manufacturer practices and technical rationales. BMW, Rivian, Tesla, and Volvo have removed AM radio from some new vehicles. Tesla does not include AM receivers in the base versions of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

Rivian’s R2 SUV does not have an FM or AM receiver but offers AM/FM radio through the digital radio platform iHeartRadio for free. Rivian R1S and R1T models allow customers to access FM content digitally or via a built-in receiver. Ford removed AM radio from some vehicles but has since reversed course.

Electric vehicle manufacturers have cited electromagnetic interference from electric motors affecting AM radio frequencies as a reason for removing AM receivers. These details provide context for the regulatory push to standardize the equipment.