Over the weekend, Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ed Markey (D-MA), and 48 other senators introduced the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, a piece of legislation requiring automakers to include AM radios in every new car produced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) would require automakers to install AM radios "at no additional charge." The rationale is that during emergencies, AM radios are the most reliable form of communication in dire situations.
Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) introduced the companion legislation in the House.
Sen. Scott mentioned that Florida residents need this legislation action, especially during hurricane season.
“When hurricanes hit or weather approaches, Floridians rely heavily on AM radio for updates and life-saving messages from their local authorities," said Sen. Scott. "I’m proud to join Senators Cruz and Markey on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to ensure families in my state and across the nation have access to critical information when they need it most.”
Furthermore, Sen. Cruz shares that AM radio also serves a purpose besides communication during disasters. It also allows another avenue for free speech in the United States.
“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 Sen. 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.”
Finally, Representative Bilirakis mentioned that "rural and underserved Americans" still utilize AM radio, and that the medium deserves to be preserved for that reason.
“In order to maximize public safety and ensure continued access to every available option, it is critical to have a robust and widely accessible communication infrastructure in place to alert Americans during emergency situations and natural disasters,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Each hurricane season, Floridians rely upon the ability to gain access to information needed to make timely and potentially lifesaving decisions to evacuate, stay in place, seek shelter, or contact first responders. Further, rural and underserved Americans still enjoy listening to AM radio broadcasts for their diverse views ... I’m proud to work with Ranking Member Pallone on this initiative and look forward to moving it through Congress.”
