Bill Mandating AM Radio in Cars Gains Momentum

H.R. 3413, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023, has quickly gained support since it was introduced in May of this year. It currently has 49 Democratic co-sponsors and 59 Republican co-sponsors, totaling 108 co-sponsors. Its companion in the Senate, S. 1669, has 9 Democratic cosponsors and 10 Republican cosponsors.

Sponsored by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), the bill would require all vehicles sold in the United States to include AM radio as a standard feature. Some newer vehicles do not meet this criteria. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing earlier this month to better understand how this situation impacts Americans.

H.R. 3413 has received pushback from automotive manufacturers, who argue that EV batteries interfere with AM radio signals and that AM radio is antiquated technology. Its proponents argue that many Americans, especially those who live in rural areas with limited cellular service, rely on AM broadcast stations to receive emergency alerts, as well as news and entertainment.

Click here to read the bill in its entirety, see the full list of cosponsors, and track its progress through the legislative process.