The House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on Tuesday night after more than three years before Congress. Radio broadcasters quickly celebrated the legislation’s advancement as it now heads to the Senate.
What We Know: The House approved the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act under suspension of the rules, sending the legislation to the Senate. H.R. 979 would require automakers to include AM radio as standard equipment in new vehicles without an additional charge. The bill has been before Congress for more than three years and has attracted broad bipartisan support. The Senate companion bill, S. 315, has more than 60 bipartisan cosponsors but hasn’t received a floor vote.
What They Said: “I am glad that common sense has prevailed in Washington DC. The American people are on the side of common sense.” -77 WABC owner John Catsimatidis
“The House’s passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a significant victory for public safety, local communities and the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio every day. We applaud House leadership and the overwhelming bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who came together to advance this legislation, and thank them for recognizing what emergency managers, first responders, farmers, truckers, tribes and tens of millions of Americans have long understood: AM radio remains an essential source of local emergency information, news, weather alerts, and community connection — and sometimes the only resource available in times of crisis and disaster.” -iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman
What Remains Unclear: The legislation still needs Senate approval before it can reach the president. Senate leaders haven’t announced when S. 315 will receive a floor vote. Therefore, the House action doesn’t yet guarantee that the measure will become law.
What It Means: Broadcasters now shift their focus to the Senate after years of lobbying Congress to preserve AM radio access in vehicles. The National Association of Broadcasters said the House vote represents a significant step for Americans who rely on AM radio for emergency information, news and community connections.
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