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HR 979

CONGRATS-REP. RANDY FRESE

103rd Regular Session Introduced by Tony McCombie

Requires AM radio receivers as standard in new US passenger vehicles; DOT must issue a rule within 1 year to ensure in-car AM access and emergency alerts.

Placed on Calendar Agreed Resolutions
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 979

Summary — H.R. 979 (119th Congress) — “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025”

Note on document mismatch: the legislative materials provided include multiple items all labeled “H.R. 979” (a federal bill and separate state/local resolutions). This summary focuses on the federal H.R. 979 reflected in House Report 119‑379 (titled the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025”). I also note that other unrelated resolutions bearing the same number (a Georgia commendation of a teacher and a “congratulatory” entry for Rep. Randy Frese) appear in the materials.

Purpose and intent

Require U.S. passenger motor vehicles to include, as standard equipment, devices capable of receiving and playing over‑the‑air AM broadcast stations. The principal policy goals are to preserve routine public access to AM radio and to ensure broad, reliable vehicle receipt of AM broadcasts (including emergency alerts).

Key provisions

  • Short title: “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025.”
  • Definitions: detailed definitions are included for terms such as AM broadcast band (535–1705 kHz), AM broadcast station, device (equipment to receive/play broadcast signals), digital audio AM broadcast station (In‑Band On‑Channel DAB), automated driving system (SAE J3016 Levels 3–5), Administrator (FEMA), IPAWS, Secretary (DOT), State, manufacturer, passenger motor vehicle, and “standard equipment.”
  • Rulemaking mandate: Within 1 year after enactment, the Secretary of Transportation — in consultation with the FEMA Administrator and the Federal Communications Commission — must issue a rule that:
    • Requires devices capable of receiving AM broadcast signals and playing their content to be installed as standard equipment in passenger motor vehicles that are (a) manufactured in the United States for sale in the U.S., (b) imported into the U.S., or (c) shipped in interstate commerce, and that are manufactured after the rule’s effective date.
    • (Document is truncated after this point; additional regulatory details and implementation standards are included in the full reported bill and committee report.)
  • Emergency communications emphasis: Definitions reference FEMA and IPAWS and the bill tracks concern for emergency alerting; the consultation requirement with FEMA and FCC suggests coordination for alerts over AM.

Who would be affected

  • Vehicle manufacturers: required to include AM‑reception devices as standard equipment (affects production specifications, supply chains, and base model content).
  • Consumers/drivers: all new passenger motor vehicles manufactured after the rule’s effective date would come standard with AM reception capability.
  • AM broadcasters and local emergency managers: broader guaranteed in‑vehicle reach for programming and over‑the‑air emergency alerts.
  • Regulators: DOT (lead), FCC, and FEMA involved in consultation and implementation.

Timeline and procedural status (as reported)

  • House Committee on Energy and Commerce reported H.R. 979 with an amendment (H. Rept. 119‑379, Part I).
  • Committee consideration: ordered reported (amended) by a vote of 50–1 (reported Sept. 17, 2025).
  • Calendar placement: Placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 330) Nov. 12, 2025; committees of jurisdiction (Transportation and Infrastructure; Homeland Security; Energy and Commerce) were involved.
  • Rulemaking: DOT must issue the required rule not later than 1 year after enactment; the rule will apply to vehicles manufactured after the rule’s effective date.

Related legislation

  • Companion bill in the Senate: S. 315 (noted as related).

Potential impacts (summary)

  • Public safety: Strengthens vehicle access to AM broadcasts used for local news and emergency alerts (IPAWS integration referenced).
  • Industry costs: Vehicle manufacturers may face incremental costs to include AM receivers as standard equipment; costs and budgetary effects are subject to CBO and committee cost estimates (not included in the excerpts).
  • AM broadcast preservation: Seeks to maintain the viability and reach of AM broadcasters by assuring reception capability in the vehicle fleet.

For full implementation details, specific technical standards, compliance timelines and any exemptions or enforcement mechanisms, consult the full text of H.R. 979 as reported in H. Rept. 119‑379 and subsequent rulemaking documents from the Department of Transportation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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