U.S. House of Representatives leadership will bring the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to the floor for a standalone vote on whether the legacy broadcast band should remain a permanent feature in modern dashboards.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced the vote Thursday as the legislation continues to build healthy bipartisan backing across both chambers of Congress.

First introduced by a bipartisan coalition in May 2023, the bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate AM broadcast radio as a standard, accessible feature in all new passenger vehicles at no additional cost to consumers.

During the interim period before the final rule takes full effect, automakers that choose to sell vehicles without factory-installed AM radio capability would be required to provide clear and conspicuous disclosure labeling to prospective buyers at the point of sale.

The movement to protect AM radio stems primarily from safety concerns as several electric vehicle manufacturers have phased out the band, citing electromagnetic interference from EV powertrains. Lawmakers and public safety officials, however, argue that digital alternatives can’t replace the reach and resilience of AM signals during a crisis.

“AM radio serves as an indispensable, resilient lifeline for emergency alerts during natural disasters when cellular and internet networks fail,” noted Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ), one of the bill’s lead sponsors, highlighting its critical role in the Emergency Alert System.

The announcement is being praised by industry groups, who have spent months lobbying Capitol Hill alongside consumer and public safety advocates.

“America’s broadcasters applaud House Majority Leader Steve Scalise for his announcement to bring the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to the House floor for a standalone vote,” said Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). “This is an important step forward for legislation that has earned overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and across the country.”

LeGeyt extended gratitude to House and Senate leadership, including lead co-sponsors Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Pallone, as well as Sens. Ted Cruz and Ed Markey, noting that listener grassroots campaigns played a major role in pushing the bill to the floor.

“Our listeners have also made their voices heard loud and clear: AM radio is an indispensable lifeline during emergencies, a trusted source of news and information, and a vital connection for communities nationwide,” LeGeyt said. “Now is the time to finish the job. We urge every member of the House to vote to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and preserve access to this essential public safety resource in every vehicle.”