The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act took another step towards passage last week. As we reported, the legislation H.R. 8449 was set for a vote before the House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce. The bill was approved and has been sent to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for a vote. It is expected to pass the full committee and will then move to the full House of Representatives.
In a press release, bill sponsor Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) released the following statement:
“Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chairman of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee, and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation recognizes that AM radio is an essential communication tool during emergencies, and for decades has been a source of news, entertainment, sports, and music for tens of millions of drivers. As such, the legislation directs the Department of Transportation to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio installed as standard equipment in new motor vehicles, ensuring access to AM broadcast stations, or digital audio AM stations, in every car at no additional cost.”
As noted last week, there are now two versions of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The initial legislation, H.R. 3413, has more than 250 votes. The new version H.R. 8449 is slightly different, giving automakers more time to come into compliance. The support for the original H.R. 3413 will transfer over to H.R. 8449. The new bill, H.R. 8449, will now become the legislative vehicle that will move through the House.
More importantly, H.R. 8449 is exactly the same as the Senate version of the bill, S.1669. This will make it easier to pass legislation.
We are delighted to see this legislation move forward. We will keep you informed as the bill moves through both the House and Senate.
You can see the text of the legislation here.
You can see a video of the vote before the House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce here.