Congressional Panel Moves Forward with AM Radio Legislation
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has taken a significant step forward, passing out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This bill, which aims to ensure that AM radio remains readily available in all new vehicles, including electric models, has garnered broad support.
Currently ranking third among bills introduced in this Congress in terms of the number of cosponsors, the Act boasts 300 supporters, with 151 Republicans and 149 Democrats backing the legislation.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) have voiced their support for the bill's passage. Troy A. Miller, NRB president and CEO, emphasized the importance of maintaining broadcasters' voices strong in the car, while Curtis LeGeyt, NAB President and CEO, praised the committee for advancing the bipartisan legislation.
The NRB highlighted the vital role of AM radio in delivering public safety alerts, community information, and the free exchange of ideas. They also expressed their support for the bill's ability to address the auto industry's efforts to remove or diminish radio from dashboards.
During the committee markup, an amendment was approved, shortening the bill's sunset from 10 to eight years. The name of the congressman who proposed this amendment is not publicly specified. Rep. Pallone expressed preference for the AM radio bill not to include an eight-year sunset provision, while Rep. Bilirakis stated that the amendment represents a bipartisan agreement and a compromise across the industry.
Rep. Troy Carter questioned why the bill's sunset was shortened by two years during the committee meeting. Rep. Bilirakis, in response, emphasized the need for compromise and negotiation to move the bill forward.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act was also discussed at the end of a long and contentious docket, which included other proposed legislation on rural healthcare and telehealth, as well as changes to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
With the committee's approval, the Act can now be scheduled for a vote by the full House. The bill's passage would mark a significant victory for broadcasters and consumers alike, ensuring that AM radio remains a staple in American vehicles for years to come.
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