House Passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, Mandating Emergency Communication Access
The House of Representatives has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, H.R. 979, by a voice vote, moving the legislation to the Senate for consideration. This bill aims to ensure that all new passenger vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States are equipped with the capability to receive AM radio signals. Texas Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, along with other lawmakers like Kentucky Congressman Brett Guthrie, emphasized the critical role of AM radio in emergency communications. They highlighted that during disasters, when electricity and cell services are often disrupted, AM radio serves as a vital source of information for millions of Americans, including farmers who rely on it for weather and crop reports, and older citizens for local news. The legislation seeks to prevent a communication gap during emergencies by mandating its inclusion in new vehicles.
