H.R. 979 · 119th Congress · Science, Technology, Communications
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
Requires the Department of Transportation to mandate AM radio as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles. AI-read
What it does
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, Feb 5, 2025 (Introduced in House). CRS summarizes bills impartially; it does not take positions.
Roll call votes
No recorded roll call votes on this bill. Most bills never get one; many pass by voice vote or unanimous consent, or stay in committee.
What members said about it
-
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) delivered bipartisan wins for New Hampshire last week in a slate of bipartisan bills that passed the U.S. House.
“Every Granite Stater deserves access to safe, reliable drinking water.”
-
Four bipartisan pieces of legislation that Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) cosponsored passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Strengthening public safety and giving law enforcement the tools they need are among my highest priorities in Congress.”
-
House Passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
Today, Speaker Johnson released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which ensures all new vehicles are equipped with AM radio.
“When disaster strikes – especially in hurricane and tornado-prone states like Louisiana – local communities rely on AM radio to deliver accurate, up-to-date information and critical safety alerts.”
-
Griffith Statement on House Passage of AM Radio for Every Vehicle
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 979 – the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
“I urged House leadership to bring this bill to a vote. I am proud that the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is one step closer to becoming law.”
Latest action
Sep 16, 2026 · Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 622.