WASHINGTON — After years of grassroots advocacy and intense lobbying by broadcast associations across the nation, the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act during the week of Sept. 14.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) scheduled the standalone floor vote, marking one of the most pivotal milestones yet for the bipartisan measure.
The legislation—introduced in the House as H.R. 979 by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), alongside Senate companion bill S. 315 led by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.)—would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to mandate AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States at no extra cost to consumers.
Push for Local Action
Broadcasting organizations, including state associations across the Midwest, are making a final push to rally support among lawmakers and listeners ahead of the upcoming vote.
“Our listeners have 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,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Now is the time to finish the job. We urge every member of the House to vote to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.”
Broader Context & Safety Concerns
The legislative push began after several major automakers, particularly electric vehicle manufacturers, began removing AM radios from new car models. Car manufacturers cited electromagnetic interference produced by EV drivetrains as a primary reason, claiming it disrupted AM audio quality.
However, public safety officials, agricultural leaders, and consumer groups strongly pushed back:
- Emergency Infrastructure: Former administrators of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pointed out that AM radio forms the backbone of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), capable of broadcasting critical public safety details when cellular networks and broadband internet go down during natural disasters.
- Rural Coverage: AM signals carry across vast geographical distances, serving as a primary link for rural, agricultural, and minority communities where digital coverage can be spotty.
- Broad Support: The legislation enters the floor vote with massive momentum, boasting over 310 House co-sponsors and more than 60 Senate co-sponsors—far exceeding the threshold required for passage.
If approved by the House, the measure will advance to the Senate before heading to the President’s desk.
