WASHINGTON, D.C. — The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has entered its first scheduled House voting window after years of advocacy by broadcasters, emergency-management supporters and automobile-industry opponents.

The House Majority Leader’s schedule places H.R. 979, as amended, among legislation that may be considered beginning Tuesday, September 15, and through the balance of the week. The House is scheduled to conduct its final votes for the week by Thursday afternoon.

The measure is listed for consideration under suspension of the rules, a procedure commonly used for legislation expected to receive broad support. It normally requires approval by two-thirds of members voting. The listing does not establish a precise vote time, and it does not mean the bill has passed.

WHAT THE LEGISLATION WOULD DO

The proposal would require automakers to include amplitude modulation, or AM, broadcast reception as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles sold in the United States without charging buyers an additional fee.

Supporters argue that AM remains an important component of emergency communication because its signals can cover large geographic areas and remain accessible when cellular or internet systems fail. Automakers have raised concerns involving vehicle design, electrical interference and mandates affecting software-defined dashboards.

HOUSE PASSAGE WOULD NOT FINISH THE PROCESS

If the House approves H.R. 979, the Senate must still act on matching legislative language before the measure can be sent to the president. Any change between the House and Senate versions would have to be reconciled.

Broadcasters should therefore treat a favorable House vote as a major step rather than final enactment. Implementation dates, technical requirements and any role for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will depend on the final text that clears Congress.

WHAT RADIO NEWS NOW IS WATCHING

  • The exact House vote and final margin
  • Whether amendments change the mandate or implementation period
  • How quickly the Senate takes up matching language
  • What automakers would need to change in current vehicle designs
  • Whether software-based reception would satisfy the final requirement

Radio News Now will update this report when the House records its vote.

Sources: Office of the House Majority Leader and the official House floor document repository.