Latest news with #AMRadioforEveryVehicleAct
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - Congress must prioritize emergency readiness over industry gridlock
One of the enduring lessons from my three terms in Congress and decades in law enforcement, including as Orlando's chief of police, is that even the best ideas often take time to become law. Some bills move quickly, while others require years of persistent effort and negotiation. That's the nature of democratic governance. What's essential is to keep pushing for progress, while recognizing that we should always seize opportunities to pass legislation that can help keep people safe. We have such an opportunity today. Currently, there is a debate unfolding around music royalty reform and protecting America's public warning infrastructure. As an original sponsor of the Music Modernization Act, I've long supported efforts to ensure American musicians are treated fairly — especially in this digital age. Artists and performers deserve to be compensated for their work. While the Music Modernization Act was a major step in the right direction, I clearly understand there is still much work to do in Congress. There are not yet enough votes yet to expand the Music Modernization Act. However, a bill created to protect America's public warning infrastructure — the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act —currently has overwhelming bipartisan support, including a filibuster-proof majority of co-sponsors in the U.S. Senate. Unfortunately, some music industry stakeholders, understandably frustrated with the slow pace of royalty reform, are advocating that Congress refrain from passing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act unless further royalty reform legislation is passed alongside it. As a former police chief who led public safety efforts during major storms and other emergencies, and as a member of Congress who served as chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery, I can say, without hesitation, that this would be a mistake. Both issues deserve serious consideration from Congress, but only one of them, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, has the bipartisan support needed to pass right now. I have firsthand experience on how critical AM radio can be when other systems fail during emergencies. Passing this bill is a necessity for public safety. As former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Pete Gaynor put it, when the Department of Homeland Security, Congress, FEMA and the FCC worked together to create an emergency management system capable of withstanding even the worst disasters, they made AM radio the lynchpin of the system because public safety officials can depend on it even when other platforms fail. It has worked tremendously well. The Major Cities Chiefs Association, which represents 70 of the U.S. largest cities' police departments, has said that, 'when disasters strike, the [National Public Warning System and Emergency Alert System] are often the only means by which first responders and the citizenry can access and share emergency updates. This is due to their continued use of the nation's tried-and-true 'fail-safe' communication method — AM radio.' Indeed. When cell towers go down and the internet goes dark (as they often do during hurricanes and other extreme weather events), AM radio keeps broadcasting. We saw this during the recent storms that tore through the Southeast, including my home state of Florida. In those moments, AM radio was a lifeline. Local officials used it to communicate evacuation routes, shelter locations and emergency updates. During Hurricane Helene, CNN called it 'a lifeline.' That's why law enforcement, fire service and emergency management professionals across the country support this bill. Public safety professionals know that the absence of AM radio would make their jobs harder — and put lives at risk. FEMA has even said that if automakers continue removing AM radio, 'millions' of Americans could lose access to 'critical, live saving' information during disasters. I understand the desire to see broader royalty reform and I hope Congress will reach consensus soon. However, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is about public safety, and we must not delay or derail public safety legislation that is ready to become law now. Doing so does not help anyone, including the very artists music lobbyists are trying to help. I was proud to have served in Congress. I know this is not an either-or choice. It's a test of whether Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time. Congress must move now to meet its primary obligation — to keep the American people safe. Here's hoping it does. Val Demings was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 10th District from 2017-2023, where she served as chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery. She was chief of the Orlando Police Department from 2007-2011. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Congress must prioritize emergency readiness over industry gridlock
One of the enduring lessons from my three terms in Congress and decades in law enforcement, including as Orlando's chief of police, is that even the best ideas often take time to become law. Some bills move quickly, while others require years of persistent effort and negotiation. That's the nature of democratic governance. What's essential is to keep pushing for progress, while recognizing that we should always seize opportunities to pass legislation that can help keep people safe. We have such an opportunity today. Currently, there is a debate unfolding around music royalty reform and protecting America's public warning infrastructure. As an original sponsor of the Music Modernization Act, I've long supported efforts to ensure American musicians are treated fairly — especially in this digital age. Artists and performers deserve to be compensated for their work. While the Music Modernization Act was a major step in the right direction, I clearly understand there is still much work to do in Congress. There are not yet enough votes yet to expand the Music Modernization Act. However, a bill created to protect America's public warning infrastructure — the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act —currently has overwhelming bipartisan support, including a filibuster-proof majority of co-sponsors in the U.S. Senate. Unfortunately, some music industry stakeholders, understandably frustrated with the slow pace of royalty reform, are advocating that Congress refrain from passing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act unless further royalty reform legislation is passed alongside it. As a former police chief who led public safety efforts during major storms and other emergencies, and as a member of Congress who served as chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery, I can say, without hesitation, that this would be a mistake. Both issues deserve serious consideration from Congress, but only one of them, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, has the bipartisan support needed to pass right now. I have firsthand experience on how critical AM radio can be when other systems fail during emergencies. Passing this bill is a necessity for public safety. As former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Pete Gaynor put it, when the Department of Homeland Security, Congress, FEMA and the FCC worked together to create an emergency management system capable of withstanding even the worst disasters, they made AM radio the lynchpin of the system because public safety officials can depend on it even when other platforms fail. It has worked tremendously well. The Major Cities Chiefs Association, which represents 70 of the U.S. largest cities' police departments, has said that, 'when disasters strike, the [National Public Warning System and Emergency Alert System] are often the only means by which first responders and the citizenry can access and share emergency updates. This is due to their continued use of the nation's tried-and-true 'fail-safe' communication method — AM radio.' Indeed. When cell towers go down and the internet goes dark (as they often do during hurricanes and other extreme weather events), AM radio keeps broadcasting. We saw this during the recent storms that tore through the Southeast, including my home state of Florida. In those moments, AM radio was a lifeline. Local officials used it to communicate evacuation routes, shelter locations and emergency updates. During Hurricane Helene, CNN called it 'a lifeline.' That's why law enforcement, fire service and emergency management professionals across the country support this bill. Public safety professionals know that the absence of AM radio would make their jobs harder — and put lives at risk. FEMA has even said that if automakers continue removing AM radio, 'millions' of Americans could lose access to 'critical, live saving' information during disasters. I understand the desire to see broader royalty reform and I hope Congress will reach consensus soon. However, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is about public safety, and we must not delay or derail public safety legislation that is ready to become law now. Doing so does not help anyone, including the very artists music lobbyists are trying to help. I was proud to have served in Congress. I know this is not an either-or choice. It's a test of whether Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time. Congress must move now to meet its primary obligation — to keep the American people safe. Here's hoping it does. Val Demings was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 10th District from 2017-2023, where she served as chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery. She was chief of the Orlando Police Department from 2007-2011.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Senators push to keep AM radio in new vehicles
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — A bipartisan effort is underway on Capitol Hill to ensure that AM radio remains a staple in every car across the country. With concerns over public safety, free speech, and rural accessibility, lawmakers are pushing back against automakers' moves to phase out AM radio from new vehicles. Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Ed Markey are fighting back against efforts to remove AM radio from new cars. 'It also continues to be the most reliable form of emergency communication during severe weather and power outages,' said Cruz. AM radio has long been a crucial source of emergency alerts, news, and entertainment for millions of Americans. Sen. Cruz emphasized its significance, stating, 'It's critical to keeping us safe. It also continues to be the most reliable form of emergency communication during severe weather and power outages.' Beyond emergency communications, AM radio serves as a platform for talk radio, a space for diverse viewpoints and democratic discourse. 'AM radio is a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and a robust democratic process,' Cruz added. The movement to save AM radio has gained rare bipartisan backing. Cruz and Markey are leading the charge, advocating for legislative action to mandate AM radio in all new cars. '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,' said Sen. Markey. 'Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles. Our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act heeds their words and ensures that this essential tool doesn't get lost on the dial.' Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) echoed these sentiments, noting the vital role AM radio plays in rural communities. 'We will do something that thinks outside the box on how to keep communication going,' Cantwell said. Cantwell says many Americans, particularly those in remote areas with limited internet access, rely on AM signals. 'I like the notion that we are going to have good old-fashioned ham radio and car radios.' Despite congressional support, the effort to preserve AM radio is not without opposition. The Consumer Technology Association argues that requiring automakers to include AM radio in new vehicles could stifle innovation in the automotive industry. As streaming services and satellite radio continue to expand, traditional AM stations risk being left behind. Until a bill is passed, lawmakers are urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to pressure automakers into keeping AM radio in cars. As the debate continues, millions of listeners remain hopeful that their access to AM radio and all it provides will not be lost in the shift toward modern technology. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Markey, Cruz pushing to keep AM radio in new vehicles
BOSTON (WPRI) — If you like listening to AM radio while you are driving, two senators are looking to keep it available. Sens. Ed Markey and Ted Cruz on Wednesday reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require automakers to keep AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge. Some newer vehicles and electric cars have not had AM radio as a feature. BACKGROUND: Sen. Markey battles Tesla, Ford over decision to stop putting AM radio in all cars Markey said citizens rely on AM radio to stay informed, especially during emergencies. '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,' Markey said in a statement. 'AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information.' He also added that tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles. Cruz echoed Markey's comments. '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,' Cruz said in a statement. 'AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades.' Markey and Cruz originally introduced the legislation in May 2023. The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee in July 2023 and passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September 2024. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Love listening to AM radio while driving? Markey, Cruz are pushing to keep it in new vehicles
Love listening to AM radio while you're driving? Two senators are leading the charge to keep it that way. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Wednesday reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge. Makers of newer vehicles and electric cars have been ditching AM radio as a feature. Markey, who sits on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee that Cruz chairs, said citizens rely on AM radio to stay informed, especially during emergencies. '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,' Markey said in a statement. 'Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles,' Markey said. Cruz echoed Markey's comments. '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,' Cruz said in a statement. 'AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades,' Cruz said. In May 2023, Markey and Cruz led their colleagues in introducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The bill passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in July 2023 and passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September 2024. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
