The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, H.R. 979, passed the House on a voice vote Tuesday and now moves to the Senate. Supporters say keeping AM radio in vehicles is a matter of public safety. Kentucky Congressman Brett Guthrie was among the lawmakers making that case. He tells colleagues that AM radio remains a trusted source of all kinds of information.
“Tens of millions of Americans tune in to broadcast AM Radio every day. Farmers use AM radio for weather forecasts, local information, crop reports, while older Americans rely on it for local news and programming. Most importantly, AM Radio is a critical tool for emergency communications. When a disaster hits and a broadband network goes dark, AM radio can continue providing critical emergency information to communities.”
Texas Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher says emergency communication is exactly why Congress should require automakers to preserve AM radio access in new vehicles.
“This bill, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, recognizes the essential role of AM radio and ensures that consumers will continue to have AM radio available in their vehicles. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule that requires vehicle manufacturers to install equipment to receive AM radio signals in all new passenger cars made or sold in the United States.”
Florida Congressman Gus Bilirakis says the stakes are especially high during hurricanes and evacuations, for example, where reliable information can be lifesaving.
“During a national disaster or a natural disaster, many people find their electricity out, cell service out, and have a limited ability to get information, unfortunately. In many instances, people end up listening to the radio in their car for their only source of information. People in states like Florida know all too well that evacuation routes during emergencies require constant information sharing and AM radio is the go-to. Just imagine if in that critical moment you find that your vehicle is not receiving those AM alert transmissions. If a vehicle does not have AM broadcasting abilities, it takes away the last resort of communication and leaves people vulnerable during moments where seconds matter.”
Lawmakers backing the bill say AM radio’s long-standing role as a dependable source of information is exactly why it should remain available in every new vehicle sold in the United States.