Pallone Announces New Legislation and Hearing on AM Radio

Washington, DC - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced plans to hold a legislative hearing in his House Energy and Commerce Committee on April 30^th titled "Draft Legislation to Preserve Americans' Access to AM Radio." The new draft bill would require car manufacturers to install devices capable of receiving AM radio signals in all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States at no additional cost to consumers. Pallone is the top Democrat on the Committee, which has jurisdiction over communications, technology policy, and consumer protection issues, including automobile safety.

"AM Radio stations play a critical role in our nation's communications network, which is why I remain concerned that some automakers plan to phase out AM radio from their electric vehicle models. When Superstorm Sandy pummeled New Jersey over ten years ago, some of my constituents went days without power and telephone and internet connections. A number of them relied on broadcast AM radio stations - often in their vehicles - to get up-to-the-minute information like where to get water, gas, and groceries," Pallone said. "As the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues on this new bill to preserve Americans' access to this vital source of information."

Last June, Pallone held a hearingon the importance of AM radio in his Energy and Commerce Committee titled, "Listen Here: Why Americans Value AM Radio."

The text of the draft bill is available here.