U.S. Senate Committee Advances Bill Mandating AM Radio in Vehicles
The United States Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee voted unanimously to advance S. 315, also known as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The bill, a product of bipartisan collaboration, was sponsored by Senato Ed Markey (D-MA) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). It would require that every vehicle sold in the United States comes with AM radio installed. It would apply only to vehicles manufactured after the rule goes into effect.
The Senate version of the bill has 16 Democratic cosponsors and 32 Republican cosponsors. The House version, which was introduced by Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), has 12 Democratic cosponsors and 27 Republican cosponsors.
The bill's proponents argue that many Americans, especially those in rural areas and those affected by natural disasters, rely on AM radio's strong signal strength to obtain important information. Opponents contend that AM radio is antiquated technology and its signals could cause interference issues for electric vehicles.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act advanced out of committee last congress, but it never received a vote before the full U.S. Senate or House.