Congress·Reported·H.R. 979

AM Radio: Requirement for New Cars

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

The Department of Transportation must create a rule within one year requiring all new cars sold in the U.S. to include AM radio as standard equipment. This ensures drivers can access the national emergency alert system during natural disasters or other crises when cell phone towers might fail.
Car manufacturers would have about two years to comply with the new rule, though smaller companies that make fewer than 40,000 cars a year would get four years to adjust. Until the rule officially starts, any new car sold without AM radio must have a clear warning label so the buyer knows it is missing.
This policy addresses concerns that some modern vehicles, especially electric ones, are removing AM radio because of engine interference. Supporters argue that AM radio is a vital safety tool because its signals travel much further than FM or cellular signals, especially in rural or remote areas.
The government will also study how well different technologies send out emergency alerts to the public. This includes checking if the system allows the government to reach at least 90% of the country during a crisis. The entire law is set to expire eight years after it is signed.

5 milestones10 actions

Nov 12, 2025House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 330.

Nov 12, 2025House

Committee on Transportation discharged.

Nov 12, 2025House

Committee on Homeland Security discharged.

Nov 12, 2025House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-379, Part I.

Sep 17, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 50 - 1.

1 bill

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

Apr 3 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 39.

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 979

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 330.

(250)

D: 119R: 131

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

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