As we go to press, the Senate has announced that 60 U.S. Senators are now supporting the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S.1669). Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, announced today that the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act now has bipartisan support from 60 members of the Senate.
“Democrats and Republicans are tuning in to the millions of listeners, thousands of broadcasters, and countless emergency management officials who depend on AM radio in their vehicles. AM radio is a lifeline for people in every corner of the United States to get news, sports, and local updates in times of emergencies. Our commonsense bill makes sure this fundamental, essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial. With a filibuster-proof supermajority in the Senate, Congress should quickly take it up and pass it.”
Securing 60 votes of the legislation is essential because it can no longer be blocked by a filibuster. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is a co-sponsor of the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also supports the legislation.
In the House, the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce hosted a hearing on the legislation. Opening statements from members of Congress on the Committee indicated there is strong support for the legislation. Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Democrat Frank Pallone support keeping AM radio in vehicles:
“Communities across the country, especially rural communities, rely on AM radio service for critical information. It plays an essential role during public emergencies when other alert systems that rely on the electric grid and cellphone networks don’t work, which is why it's so alarming that some auto manufacturers are considering not installing AM radios in new cars," said Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone. "We look forward to working together to preserve Americans’ access to this vital source of information.”
Melody Spann Cooper, Chairwoman and CEO of Midway Broadcasting Corporation in Chicago, testified on behalf of the National Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Justin C. Ahasteen, who is the
Executive Director of the Navajo Nation’s Washington Office, also testified to support the legislation.
These are critically important steps in moving this legislation forward. We look forward to working with the New York Delegation to get this bill passed.
You can see the joint press release regarding the Senate on Sen. Markey’s website here.
You can access the House Commerce Committee's hearing here.
You can see the testimony of Melody Spann Cooper here.