TFB statement on support of AM for Every Vehicle Act

The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening on support of the “AM for Every Vehicle Act” and Sen. Ted Cruz’s efforts to pass the bill.

“Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) applauds Sen. Ted Cruz for attempting to pass the ‘AM for Every Vehicle Act’ on Dec. 5 in the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent. We are proud to support the Senator in his legislative effort to keep AM radio in vehicles. The availability of AM radio stations in vehicles is critical to the farm and ranch community that depends on timely agricultural news and information. Over 1500 AM stations in the U.S., including many in Texas, provide important farm programming. The Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network has assisted affiliate stations for over 20 years with these programming needs. Market, weather, and news updates help farmers and ranchers feed and clothe our country and the world. We thank Senator Cruz for leading this effort and stand ready to work with members of Congress to pass this important legislation.”

S. 1669 – https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1669

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. (AM broadcast stations are often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)

Specifically, this bill applies to motor vehicles manufactured in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce after the rule's effective date.

The DOT rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations or digital audio AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment.