AM Radio Act Bundled Into Larger Bill Package

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act gains fresh momentum toward passage as lawmakers embed its core provisions into a broader vehicle safety and modernization package.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce voted to incorporate the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act into Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY)’s H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026. 

This strategic move provides the popular, bipartisan measure — which requires new passenger vehicles to include AM radio as standard equipment — with a stronger procedural vehicle for reaching the House floor.

AM radio serves as a critical lifeline for emergency alerts, local news, weather warnings, and public safety information, especially in rural areas and during disasters when cellular and internet services may fail. The legislation addresses automakers’ trend of dropping AM receivers from new vehicles to cut costs, a move that has raised alarms among broadcasters, emergency managers, and millions of drivers who rely on it. The bill, originally H.R. 979, has drawn overwhelming bipartisan support with hundreds of cosponsors in the House.

By folding the AM provisions into H.R. 7389, the committee advances the mandate alongside updates to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) programs, self-driving vehicle regulations, and other automotive safety and innovation measures. 

This bundling increases the bill’s viability by attaching it to must-pass transportation and safety priorities.

Even better news for supporters: The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act itself could be incorporated into the larger BUILD America 250 Act — the House’s five-year surface transportation reauthorization package. This major bill, covering highways, transit, safety, and infrastructure funding, is advancing quickly toward the House floor.

If successful, this layering would give the AM radio requirement an exceptionally robust path through Congress, leveraging the reauthorization’s broad support and urgency as existing transportation authorizations expire. The BUILD America 250 Act, released recently by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, authorizes hundreds of billions in funding and represents a key legislative vehicle for the 119th Congress.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has advanced steadily through committee processes in prior months, reflecting broad consensus on preserving access to broadcast radio in vehicles. Automakers have faced criticism for phasing out AM without alternatives for emergency communications. Proponents argue the requirement ensures equity, public safety, and no added cost to consumers, with accommodations for smaller manufacturers.

This latest development in the Energy and Commerce Committee marks a significant step, positioning the measure for potential floor consideration as part of a comprehensive package rather than standing alone. Observers see it as a pragmatic strategy to overcome procedural hurdles in a busy congressional calendar.

Supporters from broadcasting, emergency response, and consumer advocacy groups hail the progress, while the bill continues to enjoy strong backing across party lines. As the BUILD America 250 process unfolds, the embedded AM provisions could soon head to the full House for a vote.