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Senator Jon Tester’s bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has passed through the Senate Commerce Committee and is now headed for a full vote on the Senate floor. The legislation aims to ensure that AM radio remains available as standard equipment in all new cars and trucks.

Under this act, the Department of Transportation (DOT) would be required to issue a rule mandating that all new motor vehicles have devices installed that can access AM broadcast stations. Senator Tester, a third-generation Montana farmer, emphasized the importance of AM radio in rural America, where it is relied upon for staying informed about local news and receiving severe weather warnings.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act includes several provisions. It directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that requires automakers to provide AM broadcast radio without any additional payment or surcharge. If an automaker sells vehicles without AM access before the NHTSA rule takes effect, they must clearly disclose this lack of access to consumers.

In addition, the act calls for a study by the Government Accountability Office to determine whether alternative communication systems could effectively replace AM broadcast radio in alerting the public to emergencies.

Senator Tester has been a leading advocate for connectivity in rural communities. He has worked across party lines to negotiate the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes significant investments in high-speed internet deployment. In Montana, the legislation allocates billion to expand broadband access and make online connectivity more affordable.

The full vote on the Senate floor will determine the future of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and its potential impact on preserving AM radio accessibility in new vehicles across the country.

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