Analyst Brief September 14, 2026

H.R. 979 — AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, as amended

Current Status

Reported by Committee on Energy and Commerce

Executive Summary

H.R. 979, the 'AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025,' mandates that all new passenger motor vehicles manufactured or sold in the U.S. include AM radio as standard, easily accessible equipment without additional consumer fees. Driven by concerns over public safety and the resilience of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) during emergencies, the bill pushes back against recent automaker trends of removing AM radio from electric and newer vehicles due to electromagnetic interference. It requires a DOT rulemaking within one year, mandates consumer labeling in the interim, commissions a GAO study on emergency alert technologies, and sunsets eight years after enactment.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)

Bill Number

H.R. 979

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA)Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC)Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX)Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO)Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY)
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Public Safety & Resilience: Ensures the public can receive emergency alerts via the IPAWS network during natural disasters or crises when cellular and internet networks frequently fail.
  • Protects Local & Rural Media: Preserves a vital communication lifeline for rural communities and protects the market reach of local broadcasters, including conservative talk radio and minority-owned stations.
  • Consumer Protection: Prevents automakers from paywalling basic, legacy radio features behind subscription services or premium vehicle packages.

Likely Supporters

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advocatesRural advocacy organizationsConservative media networks

Arguments Against

  • Automaker Burden & EV Interference: Imposes a strict hardware mandate that complicates electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, as EV drivetrains create electromagnetic interference that degrades AM signals, requiring costly shielding.
  • Stifles Innovation: Critics argue the government should not mandate legacy technology in modern dashboards, especially as digital audio, FM, and satellite alternatives become ubiquitous.
  • Regulatory Overreach: Sets a precedent of Congress dictating specific dashboard design and standard equipment features to private auto manufacturers.

Likely Opponents

Alliance for Automotive InnovationElectric vehicle manufacturers (e.g., Tesla, Rivian)Consumer Technology Association

📋 Key Provisions

  • Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule within one year requiring AM radio to be installed as standard equipment in all new passenger motor vehicles.
  • Prohibits automakers from charging an additional or separate monetary fee or surcharge for access to AM broadcast stations.
  • Requires interim clear and conspicuous labeling on vehicles sold without AM radio before the DOT rule takes effect.
  • Directs the GAO to conduct a comprehensive study assessing the role, resilience, and effectiveness of AM radio within the IPAWS framework compared to other communication technologies.
  • Preempts state and local laws regarding AM radio access in vehicles and establishes civil penalties for non-compliance.
  • Includes a sunset provision terminating the Act and its enforcement authority 8 years after the date of enactment.
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Claim Analysis Page 9, Line 13

Requires DOT to issue a rule within 1 year mandating AM radio as standard equipment.

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"Not later than 1 year after the"

Claim Analysis Page 12, Line 4

Prohibits charging an additional fee for AM radio access.

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"may not charge an additional or separate"

Claim Analysis Page 16, Line 7

Sunsets the Act 8 years after enactment.

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"sunset and no longer be"