The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” during a full committee markup on a 50-1 vote. The bill now goes to the House floor for a vote. Amendments to the bill include a shortening of the sunset of the proposed law from 10 to eight years as well as the bill now directing the Government Accountability Office to study the potential impacts of the requirement on automotive innovation and vehicle safety, as well as the feasibility of alternative emergency alert systems. National Association of Broadcasters notes that public sentiment if behind the bill as a recent survey indicates 83% of respondents strongly support keeping AM radio in new cars so drivers can access free emergency warnings and public safety information while on the road. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Today’s decisive committee vote sends a clear message: AM radio remains essential to public safety, and every American deserves access to it in their car. We thank Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis, Ranking Member Pallone and members of the committee for overwhelmingly advancing this bipartisan legislation. Policymakers and consumers alike recognize AM radio’s essential role in delivering emergency alerts and reliable information when it matters most. We urge House and Senate leadership to move swiftly to pass this bill and preserve this vital service for the American public.”
