Automotive Panel Endorses Compulsory In-Car AM Radio Installation
In a move aimed at enhancing the delivery of crucial emergency information during national disasters, the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" (H.R. 979) has cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a significant margin of 50-1. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), emphasizes the importance of AM radio for receiving emergency alerts, particularly in rural areas and during hurricane season.
Rep. Bilirakis, whose constituents hail from Florida, underlined the significance of AM radio as a lifeline for people without electricity or internet during national disasters. Proponents of the bill argue that AM radio is a crucial source of emergency information, offering a reliable means of communication in times of crisis.
If passed, the bill would require the Department of Transportation to enforce the mandate for AM radios in cars and trucks, including electric vehicles. This measure is intended to ensure that all vehicle owners have access to emergency broadcasts, regardless of their mode of transportation.
The bill's progress in the Senate has not been specified, but it has garnered support in both chambers of Congress. However, it could face opposition in the future. The government of the state of California has not publicly stated an official position on the bill, although its approval by a U.S. House committee and the need for federal enforcement by the Department of Transportation indicates federal momentum.
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) was the only committee member to vote against the bill, expressing unspecified reservations about the measure. Despite this, the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" (H.R. 979) now moves forward, requiring a rulemaking process by the Department of Transportation to become law.
As the bill progresses, it is hoped that it will provide a more robust and reliable emergency alert system, ensuring that all Americans have access to critical and life-saving information during national disasters.
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