Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has collaborated with Senators Ed Markey and Ted Cruz, along with 48 other Senate colleagues, to reintroduce the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This proposed legislation aims to mandate that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires automakers to include AM broadcast radio in new vehicles at no extra cost. The bill highlights AM radio's role as a reliable communication medium during emergencies. It recently passed through the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the importance of AM radio for Floridians during hurricanes and severe weather events: “When hurricanes hit or weather approaches, Floridians rely heavily on AM radio for updates and life-saving messages from their local authorities. I’m proud to join Senators Cruz and Markey on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to ensure families in my state and across the nation have access to critical information when they need it most.”

Senator Ed Markey underscored AM radio's significance amid climate change-related disasters: “As we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication. AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information."

Echoing these sentiments, Senator Ted Cruz remarked on AM radio's reliability during crises: “During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe."

The act seeks to preserve this essential service amidst concerns about its potential exclusion from future vehicle models.