U.S. House Committee Markups AM Radio Legislation

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 23, 2024

U.S. Congress

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce markups legislation to preserve access to AM in automobiles. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) made the announcement regarding the markup of the bill known as H.R. 8449 or "Preserving Americans' Access to AM Radio" act on Wednesday.

Chairs Rodgers and Bilirakis said that they looked forward to advancing critical policies to ensure people continue to have access to AM radio. "The Energy and Commerce Committee has a rich history of advancing important legislation in a bipartisan way, and we look forward to building on that legacy this week."

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, "NAB applauds today's markup and passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This critical legislation ensures that the 82 million Americans who rely on AM radio each month will continue to have access to diverse programming, local news and essential emergency information. AM radio is the backbone of our Emergency Alert System, providing timely alerts and information during disasters and emergencies, ensuring that critical communication remains available even when cell and broadband services fail.

"America's broadcasters are grateful to Reps. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5), Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) and the bipartisan champions of this legislative effort for their leadership and commitment to preserving the indispensable role of AM radio in local communities across the country."

Legislation to require AM radio as a safety feature in all vehicles currently has 61 cosponsors in the Senate and 254 cosponsors in the House of Representatives.