House Passes AM Radio Mandate for New Vehicles, NRB Hails Vote as Major Victory
The measure would bar automakers from charging extra for AM access and directs federal regulators to make it standard equipment in new passenger vehicles.
- On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the United States House of Representatives passed the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act by voice vote, requiring automakers to provide AM radio as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles.
- Congressman Josh Gottheimer introduced the legislation during the 118th Congress, citing public safety concerns; supporters argue AM radio provides essential information during emergencies when internet, cellular, and electricity services are unavailable.
- National Religious Broadcasters celebrated the vote as a victory for free broadcast distribution, while President Donald Trump previously pledged to protect AM radio in cars during the 2024 International Christian Media Convention.
- Opponents argue the eight-year federal mandate interferes with free markets, contending the bill forces consumers to subsidize 100-year-old technology despite modern alternatives like Bluetooth.
- The measure now requires Senate approval; companion legislation has more than 60 cosponsors and previously cleared the Senate Commerce Committee, indicating potential momentum for passage.
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A Conservative Case Against the AM Radio Mandate – DC Journal - InsideSources
As a former Republican member of Congress, I have long believed that limited government, free enterprise and consumer choice are not simply campaign slogans. They are governing principles. Republicans have rightly warned for decades that Washington should be cautious before forcing private companies and consumers into one-size-fits-all decisions. That is why the AM Radio for […] The post A Conservative Case Against the AM Radio Mandate appeared …
AM Radio Act Halfway Home
• With Tuesday's passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act by the House Of Representatives -- and now headed for a Senate vote, the radio industry is heartened by this hard fought progress. In response to the bill's advancement, NAB President & CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, "Today's decisive House passage of the AM...
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