H.R. 979 Passed the House Science, Technology, Communications

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

To require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12] Introduced February 5, 2025 Cosponsors 317 (158 D, 159 R) Latest action September 16, 2026

Summary

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. (AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)
Specifically, this bill applies to passenger vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States for sale in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date. The rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers.
Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling, and (2) may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access.
DOT may assess civil penalties for any violation of the rule. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.
The rule, including DOT’s authority to enforce it, must expire 10 years after the bill’s enactment. 
Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including by conducting an assessment of AM radio relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System communication technologies.
 

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Sep 16, 2026 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 622.
  2. Sep 15, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Sep 15, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5668-5669)
  4. Sep 15, 2026 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  5. Sep 15, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 979.
  6. Sep 15, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5667-5670)
  7. Sep 15, 2026 Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  8. Nov 12, 2025 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 330.
  9. Nov 12, 2025 Committee on Transportation discharged.
  10. Nov 12, 2025 Committee on Homeland Security discharged.
  11. Nov 12, 2025 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-379, Part I.
  12. Sep 17, 2025 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 50 - 1.

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