U.S. House passes legislation to keep AM radio in vehicles - gets bipartisan support

The U.S. House has passed legislation that would require AM radio to remain available in new vehicles.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed Tuesday night (September 15, 2026) by voice vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate.

The bill, known as H.R. 979, follows several automakers' 2023 announcements that they would remove AM radio from some new vehicles.

Supporters, including broadcasters, say AM radio remains an important way to reach people during emergencies, particularly in rural areas where cellular service or internet access may not be available.

AM stations provide local news, weather, sports, and emergency information, and broadcasters argue that radio can continue operating when other communications systems are disrupted.

The legislation has received bipartisan support, with 317 House cosponsors. It also passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a 50-to-1 vote.

Colorado broadcasters have been advocating for the bill for more than three years. The Colorado Broadcasters Association thanked members of the state's congressional delegation who supported the legislation, as well as Colorado broadcasters and listeners who contacted lawmakers and helped advance the measure.

A companion bill, S. 315, is already in the Senate and has cleared the Senate Commerce Committee with more than 60 bipartisan cosponsors.

The Senate will now consider whether to advance the legislation, which would then go to the president if approved by Congress.