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.