As the 119th Congress begins, Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) are reintroducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
The bill, originally introduced in 2023, would grant the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the authority to mandate the AM radio band be placed in new automobiles as a safety feature.
Despite having widespread, bipartisan support, the bill was never scheduled for a vote before Congress adjourned in 2024. Currently, more than 40 senators have pledged their support and signed on as co-sponsors of the bill.
“As we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication,” said Markey. “Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles. Our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act heeds their words and ensures that this essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial.”
“During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe,” said Cruz. “AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades.
“I am honored to once again partner with Sen. Markey on this bipartisan legislation on behalf of our constituents who depend on AM radio and public airwaves for access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts,” he concluded.
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