AM Radio Legislation Set for Key Congressional Hearing

posted on 4.22.2024

- Bipartisan Measure Preserves Access in New Cars

Legislation ensuring that AM Radio remains in new vehicles sold in the United States is slated for hearing in the House Energy and Commerce Committee April 30, a significant hurdle to clear before the measure, which enjoys broad, bipartisan support in both the Senate and House, can advance to President Joe Biden for his signature.

The committee’s Republican chair and top Democrat last week jointly announced plans for the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce to take up legislation identical to that passed by the Senate Commerce Committee last July.

The measure, which was co-authored in the Senate by Texas’ own Sen. Ted Cruz and is co-sponsored in the House by half the Texas congressional delegation, recognizes AM Radio’s role as the backbone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System and would ensure that millions of Texans who listen daily to AM Radio retain access to local news, diverse community programming and emergency information.

What the Bill Does

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish within one year of the bill’s passage a standard for all new motor vehicles in the U.S. to come with AM Radio reception and playback, with the feature clearly visible on the vehicle’s dashboard.

Between the legislation’s enactment and the new standard taking effect, cars lacking AM Radio receivers must be explicitly labeled as such for buyer.

No Texans on the Subcommittee, Live Stream

No Texans serve on the subcommittee which will hear the legislation April 30, but several do serve on the broader committee which will eventually have to weigh in before the bill can advance for a floor vote.

The April 30 subcommittee will be streamed live, with instructions for viewing available here.

Questions? Contact Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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