PBS reported that the House unanimously advanced an AM radio mandate for new vehicles, while the Senate weighs a similar measure after earlier efforts stalled.

The House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act late Tuesday, PBS NewsHour reported. The measure covers new vehicles sold in the United States.

The bill would direct the transportation secretary to require AM radio devices as standard equipment. Lawmakers said drivers need continued access to emergency broadcasts and other local programming carried on the AM dial.

The unanimous vote gave the proposal broad support in the House. But it still faces another step in Congress, where the Senate is considering a similar measure.

Similar bipartisan legislation stalled during an earlier congressional effort. The latest House action revives the push, but the available details do not identify the Senate measure or set a timetable for Senate action.

Drivers would not see the requirement for at least three years

The proposed mandate would not take effect at once. After enactment, the transportation secretary would have one year to write the federal rule.

Automakers would then receive another two years before that rule took effect. That schedule places the earliest required changes at least three years after enactment, assuming the rule uses the full period allowed by the bill.

The measure’s path also remains incomplete. The House vote alone does not establish an AM radio requirement, and no final enactment or presidential action was stated.

Emergency access drove an unusually united House vote

Congress often divides over federal mandates, especially rules governing products sold to consumers. In this case, every voting House member supported keeping AM receivers in new vehicles, as described by the report.

The stated case was practical: emergency messages and local broadcasts should remain available to people behind the wheel. The bill responds by preserving access through standard equipment rather than leaving that access to each vehicle maker’s choice.

Congress should use mandates sparingly. But when lawmakers act, they should state the need plainly, set a workable timeline and remain accountable for the result.