119-HR-979 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 979 AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
A bipartisan House bill would require new passenger cars to include AM radio as standard equipment, mainly to preserve access to emergency alerts; it’s cleared key committees and is queued for a House floor vote.
Headline Summary
Congress is considering a bipartisan bill to make AM radio standard in all new passenger cars so drivers can easily receive emergency alerts and local information.
What It Does
The “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025” directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a rule requiring automakers to include an AM radio receiver, accessible through the car’s interface, in new passenger vehicles. The rule must take effect 2–3 years after it’s issued (4 years for smaller manufacturers). Until then, cars sold without AM must carry clear labels, and manufacturers can’t charge extra fees for AM access. The bill preempts states from setting their own AM-access rules, sets civil penalties for violations, calls for a GAO study on how best to deliver emergency alerts to the public, and sunsets the federal requirement after 10 years. Key definitions clarify what counts as AM (535–1705 kHz) and allow compliance via digital AM reception if provided.
Who’s For It
- Sponsors: Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ).
- House Energy and Commerce Committee: advanced the bill on a 50–1 vote, signaling broad bipartisan support.
- Supporters’ case: AM remains a widely available, resilient way to get emergency alerts and local updates, especially in disasters; requiring it avoids paywalls or app-dependency during crises.
Who’s Against It
- The bill text does not list formal opponents.
- Critics in the broader debate may argue that the mandate adds cost and design complexity, that other alert systems (like wireless emergency alerts and FM/streaming) can suffice, or that electric vehicles can face interference issues with AM reception. (These are common concerns, not positions attributed to a specific member or organization in the bill text.)
What’s Next
As of November 12, 2025, the bill was reported (amended) by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, related committees were discharged, and it was placed on the Union Calendar (No. 330). The next step is a House floor vote. If it passes the House, it moves to the Senate; after both chambers pass identical text, it would go to the President for signature.
Discussion