House Committee Votes to Adopt AM Radio Bill

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2024 – The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday passed a bipartisan bill to require AM radios as "standard equipment in passenger motor vehicles" coming off the factory line. 

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fl., and Frank Pallone ,D-N.J., became a major legislative priority for the National Association of Broadcasters after Elon Musk said he would not include AM radios in Teslas. Ford, BMW, and Mazda joined Musk.

The bill, which passed 45-2, will impact U.S. domestic and imported vehicles. It will require the Transportation Secretary to implement the law within two to three years after consulting with the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.