Congressional lawmakers are pressing the Senate to pass legislation requiring automakers to preserve free AM radio access in new vehicles, citing the importance of emergency alerts, local news and public safety communications.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — The future of AM radio in American automobiles remains unresolved as Congress prepares to return for its post-election lame-duck session, with bipartisan legislation requiring automakers to include AM receivers in new vehicles awaiting Senate action before the current Congress expires in January.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., and Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., passed the House on Sept. 15, 2026, by voice vote. The measure, designated H.R. 979, was received by the Senate the following day and placed on its legislative calendar, where it remains pending. Supporters argue that the legislation is necessary to preserve a widely available source of emergency information, particularly during natural disasters and other disruptions that can affect cellular networks and internet service.
Under the House-approved legislation, the Department of Transportation would be required to establish regulations ensuring that new passenger vehicles sold in the United States can receive AM broadcasts through standard, easily accessible equipment. Automakers would be prohibited from charging consumers a separate fee for AM radio reception, and manufacturers selling vehicles without the capability before the rule takes effect would be required to provide clear disclosures to buyers. The measure also establishes enforcement authority and directs federal officials to examine how AM radio compares with other technologies used to distribute emergency warnings.
The legislation has attracted support from lawmakers across the political spectrum, including Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Edward Markey, D-Mass., who have led the effort in the Senate. Their proposal received 60 Senate cosponsors earlier in 2026, demonstrating substantial bipartisan interest in protecting AM radio access even as lawmakers remain divided over numerous other federal policies. The Senate Commerce Committee previously advanced a companion measure in February 2025, but the full Senate has not completed action on the House-passed bill.
In a joint statement following the House vote, Cruz and Markey urged their colleagues to move the legislation forward.
“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.”
The effort follows decisions by several automakers to remove AM reception from certain vehicle models, particularly electric vehicles. Manufacturers have cited electromagnetic interference from electric motors and other components that can disrupt AM signals, while some have pointed to increasing consumer reliance on digital audio services and internet-connected entertainment systems. Broadcasters and lawmakers supporting the bill contend that those alternatives cannot fully replace traditional over-the-air broadcasts, especially when internet or cellular connections are unavailable.
Emergency communications have become a central argument for retaining the technology. AM signals can travel considerable distances, particularly at night, and some AM stations operate as part of the federal emergency communications infrastructure. During hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and prolonged power outages, broadcast radio can provide local instructions and updates without requiring listeners to maintain cellular service or a paid subscription. Supporters of the legislation argue that preserving AM receivers in automobiles would give motorists another means of receiving emergency information when other communication systems are disrupted.
The automotive industry has raised objections to a federal equipment mandate, maintaining that manufacturers should have flexibility to develop alternative technologies capable of delivering emergency alerts. Industry representatives have also questioned whether Congress should prescribe particular communications equipment as vehicle technology evolves. The legislation would not prohibit automakers from offering satellite radio, streaming services or other digital entertainment options, but it would require AM reception to remain available alongside those technologies. Under the House-approved measure, the regulatory mandate and associated enforcement authority would expire 10 years after enactment, while a Government Accountability Office study would evaluate the effectiveness of AM broadcasting compared with other emergency alert systems.
The bill now faces a limited legislative calendar as lawmakers return to Washington following the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Congress must address outstanding government funding matters and other unfinished legislation before the 119th Congress concludes in early January. Although the AM radio measure has demonstrated bipartisan support, its passage is not guaranteed, and lawmakers have not announced a final Senate vote. If the legislation fails to advance before the congressional session ends, supporters would generally have to reintroduce it in the next Congress and begin the legislative process again.
The Senate’s decision will determine whether federal law establishes a nationwide requirement for AM radio access in future vehicles or leaves that choice largely to individual automakers. For millions of Americans who rely on AM stations for news, sports, talk programming and emergency information, the outcome could shape how easily they can continue receiving free broadcasts while traveling.
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