AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Passes U.S. House
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Passes U.S. House, Moves to Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would require AM radio to remain available in new vehicles, moving a years-long broadcasting and public safety effort one step closer to becoming federal law.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed the House on September 15, 2026, under suspension of the rules. The House Clerk recorded passage of H.R. 979, as amended, by voice vote following approximately 40 minutes of debate. Because it was a voice vote, there is no individual roll-call record showing how each House member voted.
The Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters welcomed the House action and thanked Oklahoma's five U.S. representatives for supporting the legislation. The measure now moves to the U.S. Senate, where companion legislation has already advanced through committee.
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Would Require AM Access in New Cars
H.R. 979 directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a federal requirement ensuring drivers can access AM broadcast stations in new passenger vehicles manufactured, imported or sold in the United States.
Under the legislation, manufacturers would be required to provide AM reception as standard equipment without charging vehicle buyers an additional fee or subscription.
The official U.S. House record for H.R. 979 shows lawmakers considered the bill Tuesday evening before approving the amended legislation by voice vote.
Supporters of the measure have focused heavily on AM radio's role during tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, power outages and other emergencies when internet or cellular communications may be disrupted.
Following House passage, Speaker Mike Johnson pointed specifically to that emergency role.
“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,” Johnson said. “Yesterday, the House took a major step toward keeping AM radio in every new vehicle, ensuring our constituents never lose access to essential emergency warnings as well as some of their favorite broadcasting.”
Johnson called himself a longtime supporter of the legislation and said he was pleased to see the measure clear the House.
Oklahoma Broadcasters Thank Congressional Delegation for Support
The House action drew immediate attention from broadcasters across Oklahoma, where radio stations frequently provide continuous coverage during severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, wildfires and other emergencies.
Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters President Will Payne said the organization appreciates support for the legislation from Oklahoma's House delegation, which includes Tom Cole, Stephanie Bice, Frank Lucas, Kevin Hern and Josh Brecheen.
“AM radio remains a vital public safety tool across Oklahoma, especially during severe weather events and other emergencies when reliable communications are essential,” Payne said. “We are grateful to Representatives Cole, Bice, Lucas, Hern, and Brecheen for recognizing the importance of local broadcasting and supporting legislation that ensures AM radio remains available in vehicles for future generations.”
Because Tuesday's House action was conducted by voice vote rather than recorded roll call, the congressional record does not provide individual votes for those members. The OAB statement reflects the organization's description of the delegation's support.
The broader broadcasting industry has pushed Congress to preserve AM reception in vehicles for several years as some automakers have moved away from traditional AM receivers, particularly in some electric models.
The National Association of Broadcasters has argued that maintaining AM reception in vehicles protects access to emergency alerts, local news and community programming, particularly when other communications systems are unavailable.
That argument has particular relevance in Oklahoma, where radio remains an important source of information during severe weather and in rural areas where broadband and cellular coverage can vary.
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Now Heads to U.S. Senate
House passage does not make H.R. 979 law.
The legislation must still clear the U.S. Senate and ultimately receive presidential approval before its AM radio requirements can take effect.
The Senate has its own version of the proposal, S. 315, which advanced from the Senate Commerce Committee in 2025. The House and Senate must ultimately approve identical legislative language before a final measure can be sent to the president.
The official Congress.gov record for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act tracks the legislation, its text and congressional action as it moves through the legislative process.
The proposal has received broad support from the broadcasting industry and public safety organizations, while the legislation would also impose a federal equipment requirement on automakers.
For Oklahoma radio stations, the issue has a distinctly local component. AM stations continue serving communities across the state, providing news, agriculture programming, sports, weather information and emergency coverage over signals capable of reaching large geographic areas.
With the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act now approved by the House, the next legislative action will take place in the Senate.
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