The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has seen a significant surge in congressional support, reflecting its bipartisan appeal and perceived importance for public safety. The legislation, aimed at mandating AM radio capabilities in all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S., gained traction due to AM radio’s role in delivering emergency alerts, news, and entertainment, particularly in rural areas and during crises like Hurricane Helene.
House of Representatives: The bill (H.R. 979 in the 119th Congress) garnered 280 co-sponsors, including both Republicans and Democrats, with 20 House members joining as co-sponsors since August 1, 2025. This number well exceeds the 218 votes needed for passage, indicating strong momentum.
The Senate version (S. 315) secured 61 co-sponsors, making it filibuster-proof (surpassing the 60-vote threshold). The bill was advanced by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in February 2025, signaling robust bipartisan backing.
The surge in support followed heightened awareness of AM radio’s reliability during emergencies, underscored by its role during recent natural disasters. The NAB’s public service announcements in August further amplified calls for action, urging Congress to prioritize the bill.
Despite broad support, some opposition persists. Representative John James (R-MI) has called the mandate “unnecessary,” arguing that modern alert systems like the Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS) are sufficient. Automakers, including Tesla and BMW, and groups like the Consumer Technology Association oppose the mandate, citing electromagnetic interference in electric vehicles (EVs) and the availability of alternative communication technologies.
The August 2025 surge was driven by renewed focus on public safety, especially after recent hurricanes highlighted AM radio’s resilience when cell networks and internet fail. The NAB’s advocacy, emphasizing AM’s reach to 82 million listeners, and the bill’s bipartisan framing as a no-cost safety measure, bolstered its appeal.