The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill requiring all new vehicles to include AM radio as standard equipment, with strong bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would task the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with mandating that all new cars, trucks, and SUVs come equipped with AM radio at no extra cost to buyers. The legislation was co-sponsored by Senators Ed Markey (Democrat from Massachusetts) and Ted Cruz (Republican from Texas) and is now moving to the Senate for consideration. Advocates, including the broadcast industry, emergency responder groups, and former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, argue that AM radio is crucial during emergencies due to its ability to transmit signals over long distances, even when other communication systems fail. In recent years, many automakers have moved away from including traditional AM radio in their vehicles, opting instead for software-defined systems that prioritize streaming services and digital connectivity. This trend has been especially noticeable among electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, as the electromagnetic interference from electric motors can disrupt AM radio signals. Some major automakers, including BMW, Rivian, Tesla, and Volvo, have stopped including traditional AM receivers in their vehicles. Ford had previously removed AM radio from certain models but later reinstated it in response to consumer and industry feedback. The shift away from AM radio has raised concerns about access to emergency information, particularly in rural or remote areas where AM signals can reach farther than other forms of broadcast. The legislation seeks to ensure that all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they drive, have access to this reliable communication channel during crises. The bill has drawn support from a wide range of stakeholders, including broadcasters who rely on AM radio for local news and emergency alerts. Despite the push for AM radio, some automakers have found alternative ways to provide radio access. For example, Rivian’s new R2 SUV does not include a traditional AM or FM receiver but offers access to AM/FM radio through the iHeartRadio app at no cost. Meanwhile, Rivian’s R1S and R1T models allow customers to choose between digital radio access or a built-in AM/FM receiver. Tesla, however, does not include AM radio in the base models of its Model 3 and Model Y. Both Tesla and Rivian have declined to comment on the issue.