The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act with strong bipartisan support, a rare consensus in today’s political climate. This legislation mandates that all new cars, trucks, and SUVs be equipped with AM radios at no extra cost to consumers. The bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to enforce this requirement, emphasizing the importance of AM radio as a critical tool for emergency communication due to its long-distance signal reach. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it has good prospects, bolstered by co-sponsors Senators Ed Markey and Ted Cruz securing significant support earlier this year.

The push for this mandate comes amid increasing concerns from emergency organizations, the broadcast industry, and former FEMA officials about losing access to AM radio in vehicles, which remains vital for disseminating important, sometimes life-saving information during crises. Despite AM radio’s decline in popularity, proponents argue its reliability and broad reach make it indispensable, especially in areas where digital signals and streaming services may fail. This legislation aims to preserve AM radio access for millions of Americans, ranging from everyday commuters to emergency responders.

Several automakers, including BMW, Rivian, Tesla, and Volvo, have moved away from including AM radios in their newer models, often favoring digital streaming platforms and software-defined radio options. The electromagnetic interference from electric vehicle motors often degrades AM signal quality, prompting some manufacturers to exclude the technology altogether. Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y base versions lack AM radios, and Rivian's newer R2 SUV does not have AM/FM receivers, although it compensates through digital platforms like iHeartRadio. Even Ford, which previously removed AM radio, has reversed its decision to retain the feature in certain vehicles.

Senators Cruz and Markey, leaders on this issue, hailed the House vote as a clear message that AM radio remains an essential communication lifeline for millions of Americans. The legislation reflects a growing recognition across party lines and industries of AM radio’s continued relevance for emergency preparedness and routine information access. If passed in the Senate, this law would require automakers to include AM radios standard in all new passenger vehicles within the coming year, preserving a key public safety resource amid rapid technological shifts in vehicle entertainment systems.