AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
Summary
The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025" mandates that the Secretary of Transportation issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in all new motor vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States. This includes devices capable of receiving and playing AM radio signals as standard equipment. The Act also requires a GAO study on emergency alert dissemination, focusing on the role of AM radio and other technologies.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be the preservation of AM radio access in vehicles, ensuring that drivers and passengers can receive emergency alerts and other public broadcasts. This could lead to increased costs for vehicle manufacturers, potentially passed on to consumers. The GAO study may influence future emergency communication strategies.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures access to AM radio for emergency alerts and local news.
- Preserves a traditional broadcasting medium.
- May support the financial viability of AM radio stations.
- Could enhance public safety through reliable alert systems.
- Promotes accessibility to information for a wide range of listeners.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase vehicle production costs.
- Could stifle innovation in automotive entertainment systems.
- Potentially redundant with modern digital communication methods.
- May not be the most efficient way to disseminate emergency alerts.
- Could face resistance from manufacturers due to technological shifts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's mandate for vehicle manufacturers could be viewed under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), granting Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The requirement for a GAO study aligns with Congress's oversight responsibilities. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).