US House of Representatives passes act mandating free AM radio in every vehicle

H.R. 979 directs the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a rule making AM radio standard equipment in new passenger vehicles.

The US House of Representatives passed the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act by voice vote on September 15, 2026, moving forward legislation that would require automakers to provide AM broadcast radio at no additional cost in every new passenger vehicle manufactured or imported into the United States. 

For more stories from The Media Line go to themedialine.org

H.R. 979 directs the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a rule making AM radio standard equipment in new passenger vehicles. Automakers would be prohibited from charging additional fees or subscriptions for access to AM stations.

Supporters say preserving AM radio in vehicles is particularly important during emergencies when cellular networks, electricity, or internet services are unavailable. The technology also remains an important source of local news, weather, and agricultural information in rural communities.

“AM radio is a lifeline. When the power goes out, when the cell towers go down, and when the Internet cuts off during a storm or an emergency, AM radio is often the only way families can get the life-saving information they need,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), who first announced and introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress. 

National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), an international association of Christian communicators, welcomed the House vote.

“For Christian communicators, this vote stands as a major victory for radio and free broadcast distribution as a whole,” said Troy A. Miller, President and CEO of NRB.  

Companion legislation, S.315, has more than 60 cosponsors and previously cleared the Senate Commerce Committee. The measure still requires approval by the full Senate before it can be sent to the president.

Trump tells NRB he supports AM radios in vehicles

US President Donald Trump has previously supported efforts to preserve AM radio in vehicles. Speaking at the NRB 2024 International Christian Media Convention, Trump said: “I will protect the content that is pro-God. To that end, at the request of the NRB, I will do my part to protect AM radio in our cars.” 

NRB said it would continue working with the National Association of Broadcasters and other coalition partners as attention shifts to Senate action.