American Military News by Grant Schwab - Detroit News September 19, 2024
A panel of U.S. House lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would force automakers to install AM radio in all new cars.
The measure, titled the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, advanced through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce with broad bipartisan support. The only lawmaker to express outspoken opposition was Republican U.S. Rep. John James of Michigan.
“I feel like I’m taking crazy pills,” James said during the committee meeting. “We’re putting an unfunded, unnecessary mandate for a problem that doesn’t exist. This is exactly why people hate Washington.”
Republican and Democratic lawmakers from both the House and Senate have advocated since early 2023 for a requirement that automakers keep AM radio in all new vehicles, especially as some companies — including Tesla Inc., Volkswagen AG, Volvo Cars and BMW AG — are eliminating the frequency from electric vehicles because battery motors interfere with signals.
Ford Motor Co. previously had plans to exclude AM radio from all new vehicles but reversed course after opposition from the public and policymakers.
Advocates for AM radio have said it is crucial for reaching people during weather emergencies and holds a special place in American culture as a longtime home for sports broadcasts and conservative talk shows.
More:
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2024/09/car-am-radio-bill-passes-house-panel/
