HR979

The 'AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025' (HR979) was introduced in the House on February 5, 2025, and has since been referred to multiple committees. On November 12, 2025, it was reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce and placed on the Union Calendar. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to issue a rule mandating AM radio capabilities as standard equipment in all new passenger vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States after the rule's effective date. This legislative action indicates significant momentum, with 317 cosponsors and a companion bill (S315) in the Senate. This bill does not authorize or appropriate any specific funding. Instead, it imposes a regulatory requirement on automotive manufacturers. The mechanism is a mandate for the inclusion of AM radio reception devices in new vehicles. This will result in a minor, unquantified cost increase for manufacturers, which may be passed on to consumers. The bill's primary intent, as highlighted in the CRS Summary, is to ensure continued access to emergency alerts and news via AM radio, particularly as some newer vehicles have omitted this feature. Structural winners include AM radio broadcasters, who will maintain their reach to vehicle occupants. Sirius XM Holdings Inc. ($SIRI) could be a marginal beneficiary if the general trend of in-car audio consumption is reinforced, though the direct impact from AM radio inclusion is limited. Automotive manufacturers such as General Motors Company ($GM), Ford Motor Company ($F), Stellantis N.V. ($STLA), Toyota Motor Corporation ($TM), and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ($HMC) are structural losers due to the mandated cost increase, however minor. Their recent market performance shows mixed trends: $GM is at $73.43 with a 7-day change of +0.92% and a 30-day change of -3.64%; $F is at $11.61 with a 7-day change of +3.57% and a 30-day change of -5.92%; $STLA is at $7.48 with a 7-day change of +10.81% and a 30-day change of +2.89%; $TM is at $204.42 with a 7-day change of +0.73% and a 30-day change of -7.7%; and $HMC is at $23.84 with a 7-day change of +0.8% and a 30-day change of -13.21%. $SIRI is at $23.39 with a 7-day change of +2.77% and a 30-day change of +3.36%. With the bill having been reported out of committee and placed on the Union Calendar, the next legislative steps involve a vote in the House, followed by consideration in the Senate. The presence of a companion bill (S315) in the Senate, which has also progressed to the Senate Legislative Calendar, suggests a coordinated effort and increases the likelihood of eventual passage. The bill's strong bipartisan support, evidenced by 317 cosponsors, further indicates a high probability of enactment.