Two bills sponsored by Representative Buddy Carter (R) have recently passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and are being sent to the floor for a vote. The bills focus on protecting healthcare access for rural Americans and preserving AM radio access in all vehicles.
First, House Resolution (HR) 979, known as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule mandating that AM radio capabilities be standard in all new passenger vehicles.
Lawmakers consider AM radio to be important because it is often used to deliver emergency alerts, and some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.
For context, HR 979 is the House of Representatives' counterpart bill to the Senate version, S 315, which is virtually identical. The bill applies to vehicles manufactured and sold in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce, and manufactured after the effective date of the rule.
I am proud to be a cosponsor of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, which just PASSED out of @HouseCommerce. This bill will secure and preserve AM radio capabilities in all vehicles, strengthening consumer choice and safety during a natural disaster or crisis.@HouseGOP… pic.twitter.com/iYuHXltyhz
— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) September 17, 2025
The second bill, HR 2943, known as the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act, extends critical programs that increase access to health care services to rural communities.
Carter spoke on the importance of this bill, pointing to the lack of attention paid to rural healthcare and the need to address the mortality rate among rural Americans.
He detailed that “these programs promote innovative solutions that help people in rural communities get the care they need, such as an increase in access to preventative health services and screenings, chronic care management, and other forms of care that are needed in our rural areas across the United States.”
My Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act has PASSED out of committee, delivering on Republicans’ commitment to provide affordable, quality health care for ALL Americans.@HouseGOP fights and WINS for rural families. @HouseCommerce pic.twitter.com/EN9J0yaFfn
— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) September 17, 2025
