Congressman Tonko Cosponsors Radio Bill

Congressman Paul Tonko (D. NY 20 Albany) has once again cosponsored the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979).  He also cosponsored the legislation last year.  A strong supporter of local radio, Rep. Tonko was the primary sponsor of the PIRATE Act, which gave the FCC additional enforcement authority over illegal pirate radio stations.

To date, there are 241 members of the U.S House of Representatives who have co-sponsored the legislation.  This includes the following 15 members of the NY delegation:

• Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]   

• Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]

• Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

• Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]

• Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

• Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

• Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]

• Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]          

• Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]

• Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]   

• Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]

• Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]

• Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]

• Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]

• Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

There are 60 cosponsors in the Senate.  Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand both support the legislation.  The Senate bill (S. 315) has already passed the Senate Commerce Committee and is ready for a vote on the Senate Floor.

We hope to move the legislation before the Congressional recess in August.  NYSBA is working hard to obtain additional support for this important legislation.

You can see the legislation here.