In the era of streaming music and satellite radio, traditional broadcast stations are easy to overlook. AM radio, in particular, has fallen out of favor with younger drivers. So it’s perhaps no surprise that some automakers have begun dropping it from new vehicles. Congress, however, wants to put a stop to that.

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 979, the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025.” The bill is now on the Senate’s legislative calendar and has broad bipartisan support. The Senate also has a companion bill, S. 315, which cleared committee last year and is awaiting a floor vote.

While AM radio is dominated by political talk shows, religious programming, and sports, it still draws a sizable audience. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), which supports the congressional effort, says more than 80 million Americans listen to AM each month.

The group describes AM radio as “a platform for locally produced content that is relevant to their audience and speaks to their unique cultural and linguistic needs.” It also notes that AM stations have historically provided an entry point into radio ownership for racial and ethnic minorities.

Automakers, meanwhile, are grappling with tariffs and rising component costs, and looking for ways to trim expenses. Removing AM radio wouldn’t shave hundreds or thousands of dollars off a vehicle’s price, but it could offer modest savings.

Electric vehicle makers face another challenge: The technology that powers EVs can interfere with AM radio reception.

’ In other words: really staticky,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, in 2024 congressional testimony .

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