WASHINGTON—American Farm Bureau Federation has joined a national coalition in support of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act—amplifying the voices of millions of rural Americans who rely on access to AM radio and its “unparalleled” services.

In a Dec. 18, 2023, letter to Congress, AFBF and 24 other agriculture groups expressed support for the passage of H.R. 3413/S. 1669—a bipartisan bill introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

If passed, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to require that AM broadcast stations be accessible in all passenger motor vehicles manufactured in, imported into, or shipped within America. The U.S. Government Accountability Office also would be required to study whether a reliable alternative communication system exists for delivering emergency alerts.

“While millions of rural Americans still lack broadband service, rural and agricultural programming through AM radio helps keep rural residents apprised of news that may impact their businesses, health care, education and family,” the letter states.

Research released by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting shows 74% of farmers and ranchers across the U.S. listen to agriculture radio five or more days a week.

Many rural Virginians rely on AM radio and the vital services it provides, according to Ben Rowe, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation national affairs director.

“AM radio is a source of weather, commodity and farm policy updates, and plays a particularly important role during times of emergency,” Rowe explained.

“Unparalleled in their range,” a single radio station can reach up to 700 miles, travel through barriers like mountains and buildings, and remain available during power outages when other communications fail, according to the letter.

“Whether a thunderstorm is developing, a tornado is moving closer, or wildfires are spreading, our members need a reliable form of communication to access critical information,” the letter states.

“Farm Bureau supports the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and appreciates Congress’ efforts to keep rural Americans connected,” Rowe said.

Awaiting action on the floor since last July, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act currently has 202 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives and 45 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate. Bipartisan efforts to pass the act by unanimous consent through the Senate on Dec. 5 were blocked by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who was seeking to substitute a modification to the bill to end electric vehicle subsidies under the American Vehicle Tax Credit.

Visit Congress.gov to track the bill’s progress.

Media: Contact Rowe at 804-290-1017.