Mandate For AM Radios In All Cars Moves Closer

Inside Radio reports:

Questions remain about the legislative prospects for a bill that would require AM radio in vehicle dashboards. But if it does come to a vote in the House, the radio industry can rest assured that it will pass. After a day of Capitol Hill lobbying by broadcasters, several lawmakers joined the list of backers of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R.3413), giving the industry a bipartisan majority.

Washington insiders say Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is unlikely to bring the bill up for a vote until that number hits 60. That is because Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has signaled he would move to block its passage. When Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) tried to speed the bill across the finish line in December, using the unanimous consent maneuver, Paul objected. Paul thinks the easiest fix is for people to not buy electric cars.

Read the full article.

Makers of electric cars say AM radios cause interference with vehicle electronics.

Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg said last month that his agency is “ready to run” with the mandate should it get approved, calling AM radios “important for information and safety” during a crisis.

When multiple electric automakers stopped including AM radios last year, the far-right screamed, claiming it to be a deep state plot to kill conservative talk radio.

Congressional Effort To Require AM In Vehicles Now Has Majority Backing In House >> https://t.co/TCC1EkdZ1W

— Drew Kondylas (@Kondylas) March 8, 2024