US House Passes Act Requiring Free AM Radio in Every Vehicle

US House Passes Act Requiring Free AM Radio in Every Vehicle

Good News for Drivers: The House Just Voted to Keep AM Radio in Every New Car

Hey everyone! If you've ever noticed AM radio quietly disappearing from newer cars, this one's for you. There's news from Washington, and it's a rare thing these days: something both parties agree on.

What Happened

The US House of Representatives passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979) on Tuesday by voice vote, with more than 300 bipartisan cosponsors. The vote came on September 15, 2026. Getting the bill to the floor had been the real hurdle, not winning support once it got there.

What the Bill Would Do

• A rule within a year. The Transportation Secretary, working with FEMA and the FCC, would have one year to issue a rule requiring AM reception as standard equipment in all new passenger vehicles sold in the US.
• No extra fees. AM radio has to be easily accessible to drivers without additional charges. That's the "free" part of the headline. It doesn't mean carmakers give away radios, just that they can't charge you extra for AM.
• Digital AM counts. Automakers can meet the requirement with equipment that receives digital audio AM signals.
• Homework first. Before finalizing the rule, the Department of Transportation must report to Congress on how AM reception might affect vehicle innovation and safety, especially automated driving systems, and on fixes for electromagnetic interference.
• Not forever. The House version includes an eight-year sunset, so the mandate expires unless Congress acts again. Rep. Debbie Dingell said the final bill is a compromise worked out with automakers.

Why People Care

Supporters say it's about safety. Speaker Mike Johnson pointed out that when disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes strike, local communities rely on AM radio for accurate, up-to-date information and critical safety alerts. Rep. Michael Baumgartner made a similar point, noting that drivers still count on the dial when the power and cell service go out.

Broadcasters are happy too. Groups including NAB and AARP welcomed the vote, and NAB calls the bill critical public safety legislation. AM has long been a home for news, talk, sports and community radio, so many listeners have a personal stake in this.

Is It Law Yet? Not Quite

For now, the House vote leaves the proposed mandate one chamber short of congressional approval. The Senate must pass identical text before the bill can reach the president's desk.

The Senate looks friendly. A companion version already has 60 co-sponsors, enough to overcome a filibuster. The calendar is the tricky part, though. The Senate is scheduled to take a near-total recess from October 4 through November 1, so timing could get tight.

The Bottom Line

The House has done its part, and the bill has strong support in the Senate. But it isn't law yet, so your next car doesn't have a guaranteed AM dial just yet. I'll be watching to see whether the Senate acts before the recess.

Do you drive with AM radio on? Tell me in the comments what you'd miss most if it disappeared!

Note: I've kept this to what's been reported so far. Details could change if the Senate amends the bill.

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