Legislation requiring automakers to carry AM radio is taking its time to get final approval in Congress. The bill called the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 3413), has bi-partisan support, but Democrats in the U.S. Senate are dragging their feet.
Several conservative groups like the American Principles Project is pushing House GOP leaders to move forward with the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act as soon as possible for the upcoming elections. Other supporters like the Salem Media Group and the National Religious Broadcasters say AM radio (mostly talk radio) political content is important when distributing news, information and the events during a natural disaster or national emergency.
These same outlets also say that AM radio is a benefit for families and local communities that listen to Friday night football and church services.
Democrats have been accused of slowing the process of the bill’s passage because of the large amount of conservative talk radio stations on AM. Republicans say democrats are trying to stop listeners from hearing AM radio that may play a role in the 2024 elections.
The U.S. Senate already has a majority, 62 Senators, that support the legislation, but Senate Majority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer hasn’t set a date for a final vote.
Several carmakers like BMW, Mazda, Tesla, Volvo, Rivian, Volkswagen, including others have decided to continue their plans of removing AM access in newer vehicles. Originall,y Ford was also part of that automobile group, but now has changed its view and implements software updates to provide access to AM radios in 2023 models currently lacking it.
“The decision by some carmakers to remove AM radio unnecessary and unjustified and say such a move would eliminate one of the most important communication tools available,” said American Principles Project.
Republican lawmakers tell Florida Daily that a vote on the bill isn’t expected till after Labor Day.
