By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-gives-green-light-to-bill-requiring-am-radios-in-new-cars Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter House gives green light to bill requiring AM radios in new cars Politics Sep 16, 2026 12:14 PM EDT The House overwhelmingly passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the transportation secretary to issue a rule require the devices as standard equipment in new vehicles sold in the U.S. READ MORE: What AM radio's waning reach means for the future of politics and public safety Similar bipartisan legislation has been considered by Congress before, but stalled out. Lawmakers say there's a need for emergency broadcasts and other local programming to be available on the dial. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Under the bill, the secretary would have a year to come up with the rule, and it would take effect two years later. It passed unanimously late Tuesday. The Senate is considering a similar measure. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
The House overwhelmingly passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the transportation secretary to issue a rule require the devices as standard equipment in new vehicles sold in the U.S. READ MORE: What AM radio's waning reach means for the future of politics and public safety Similar bipartisan legislation has been considered by Congress before, but stalled out. Lawmakers say there's a need for emergency broadcasts and other local programming to be available on the dial. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Under the bill, the secretary would have a year to come up with the rule, and it would take effect two years later. It passed unanimously late Tuesday. The Senate is considering a similar measure. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now