Rep. Gus Bilirakis helped push a bill through the U.S. House that would require automakers to keep AM radio in every new car and truck sold in the country.

The House passed H.R. 979, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, by voice vote Tuesday, Sept. 15. The bill had 317 cosponsors. Bilirakis, a Republican whose 12th Congressional District includes Palm Harbor and Dunedin, co-led the legislation with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.).

The measure would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to write a rule requiring AM broadcast reception in new passenger vehicles. Automakers could not charge buyers extra for the feature. The rule would expire after 10 years.

Supporters Cite Hurricane Safety Concerns

Bilirakis and other supporters argue AM radio is a safety tool for residents in hurricane-prone coastal areas, not an outdated feature automakers should strip from dashboards.

"When the power goes out, cell towers are overwhelmed, or internet service is disrupted, AM radio can be a lifeline," Bilirakis said in a statement after the vote. He called on the Senate to act quickly.

AM Stations Anchor Emergency Alert System

AM stations carry outsized weight in the national Emergency Alert System. Of the 72 Primary Entry Point stations that initiate emergency alerts nationwide, 86% are AM broadcasters, according to the Senate Commerce Committee, as reported by audioXpress. The FCC listed 4,310 licensed AM stations in the United States as of March 31.

The issue gained traction in 2023 when several automakers began dropping AM receivers from some electric and hybrid models, citing electromagnetic interference from high-voltage power systems.

Industry Group Opposes the Mandate

Not everyone supports the mandate. The Consumer Technology Association opposes the bill, arguing it substitutes legislation for consumer choice and imposes costs on automakers, according to Radio World.

Bill Faces Narrow Window in Senate

The bill now heads to the Senate, where companion legislation S. 315, led by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), cleared the Commerce Committee in April 2025 and has enough cosponsors for a filibuster-proof majority. President Trump has said he supports the measure.

The Senate returned from a monthlong recess the week of Sept. 15, but faces a narrow window. Senators are scheduled to begin a near-total recess the week of Oct. 4 and not return for regular business until after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to Radio Ink. If the Senate does not act before then, a vote would likely slip to a post-election session in November or December.