Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
In a significant stride towards preserving traditional media platforms, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) have announced that the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” now boasts support from 60 senators, ensuring it is protected from filibuster threats. This act, aimed at mandating the inclusion of AM radio in new vehicles, underscores the enduring relevance of AM radio as a critical source of information during emergencies.
The legislation, which has also gained the support of 246 House members, is not just a measure to continue AM radio in all new vehicles. It’s a practical step that ensures AM radio remains accessible without burdening consumers with additional costs. This initiative is a clear recognition of the importance of AM radio in delivering news, sports, and crucial updates, especially in times of crisis.
Senators Cruz and Markey emphasized the bill’s bipartisan nature, highlighting the unity in recognizing AM radio’s vital role in public safety and information dissemination. The bill mandates that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforce the preservation of AM radio capabilities in automobiles, catering to the needs of millions of Americans who rely on this service.
The push to keep AM radio accessible in vehicles, including electric models, began in earnest in mid-2023 when Cruz and Markey proactively engaged with leading automakers. Their proactive stance, combined with the bill’s progress through the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in July 2023, demonstrates a dedicated effort to ensure that AM radio remains a staple in American vehicles.
As the bill moves closer to becoming law, it symbolizes a win for bipartisan cooperation. It serves as a testament to the ongoing relevance of AM radio in the digital age. This legislation promises to keep a vital resource within reach for every American driver, sustaining a longstanding tradition of accessible public communication.
Support:
Sens. Cruz and Markey were joined by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kirsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) in introducing the legislation.
Read the full text of the bill here.
