US Lawmakers Wait to Vote on AM Radio Legislation

The US House of Representatives is expected to consider a measure that mandates AM radio in all new cars sold in the US, whether they are manufactured domestically or imported. The bill, known as the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act, moved to the full floor for lawmakers' consideration following a 45-2 vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Observers say that a House vote could happen as early as the next few weeks before the US elections take place in November -- or it would be delayed.

The US Senate version of the bill has already been approved by that chamber's Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. It still awaits a full floor vote but has a majority of lawmakers supporting it on both sides of the aisle.

The issue of AM radio's necessity in vehicles has escalated the debate over public safety, as proponents such as the National Association of Broadcasters and federal emergency officials have advocated in favour of retaining AM radio for its public safety role, especially when carrying alerts in rural areas.

Some manufacturers of electric cars are looking to eliminate AM radio from their vehicles, claiming that RF interference from their cars' electronic systems compromises AM radio reception.