Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, applauded House passage of bipartisan legislation he championed to keep free AM radio available in new vehicles.
“AM radio is about more than what you listen to on the drive home. For millions of Americans, especially folks in rural communities, it is a trusted source for local news, weather, and critical information during emergencies,” said Rep. Hudson. “I’ve pushed hard to keep AM radio available in our cars, and I’m glad the House has finally passed this bipartisan bill.”
Background
The legislation directs the Department of Transportation to require AM radio access as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles. Consumers would not be charged an additional fee to access AM radio.
AM radio continues to play an important role in emergency communications, particularly in rural areas and during hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and other disasters when cellular and internet service can be disrupted. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, sheriffs, emergency medical organizations, and farmers have backed keeping AM radio available in vehicles because of its role in delivering emergency information.
As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Hudson has continued working with local broadcasters and public safety leaders to preserve access to AM radio for drivers across the country.
Hudson was one of the earliest cosponsors of the legislation and has pushed for its passage throughout the 119th Congress.