A bipartisan coalition in U.S. Congress is making a renewed push to ensure AM radio remains a standard feature in all new vehicles, as automakers increasingly consider removing the technology from their newest models. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, reintroduced in early 2025, has garnered significant support with 262 co-sponsors in the House and a supermajority in the Senate.
The legislation would require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio accessibility in all new passenger vehicles, including electric vehicles, at no additional charge to consumers. The Department of Transportation would be tasked with implementing these requirements through new regulations.
“AM radio plays a vital role in preserving public safety,” said Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), one of the bill’s primary sponsors. The legislation aims to protect what supporters describe as a critical communication infrastructure, particularly for rural communities and during emergencies.
The bill has attracted broad support across party lines, with co-sponsors including Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). This bipartisan backing reflects growing concern about several major automakers’ decisions to remove AM radio from their vehicles, particularly electric models.
According to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), AM radio reaches approximately 82 million Americans monthly, serving as a vital source of local news, weather updates, and emergency information. The medium’s importance extends beyond entertainment, playing a crucial role in the nation’s emergency alert system.
The legislation has gained support from various organizations, including the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, the American Consumers Institute, and the American Farm Bureau Federation. These groups emphasize AM radio’s particular importance for rural communities, where alternative communication methods may be less reliable.
If enacted, the law would require:
- Mandatory AM radio installation in all new passenger vehicles
- No additional charges for AM radio functionality
- Clear consumer notification if vehicles don’t maintain AM radio access
- Implementation oversight by the Department of Transportation
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has expressed support for the measure, indicating the department’s readiness to implement the legislation. The bill has already achieved a significant milestone with 218 co-sponsors in the House, suggesting strong momentum toward potential passage.
The push for this legislation comes as several prominent automakers, including BMW, Mazda, Volvo, and Volkswagen, have announced plans to remove AM radio from their electric vehicles, citing electromagnetic interference concerns. However, some manufacturers, such as Ford, have reversed similar decisions following public and political pressure.
“With 82 million Americans tuning in each month, AM radio delivers more than just emergency alerts,” states the National Association of Broadcasters. “It connects communities through hyper-local content, including news, weather, and diverse cultural programming”.
The bill’s supporters argue that maintaining AM radio access is particularly crucial for public safety, as it often serves as the most reliable communication method during natural disasters or power outages. The legislation would ensure this vital communication channel remains accessible to all vehicle owners, regardless of their vehicle’s power source or manufacturer.
As the bill moves through Congress, it represents a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation in addressing what supporters view as a critical public safety and communication infrastructure issue.

Frank Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of combined experience in the education, small business technology, and real estate business. He now blogs as a hobby and spends most days tinkering with old computers. Wilson is passionate about tech, enjoys fishing, and loves drinking beer.