Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is co-leading a letter to Congress urging legislators to preserve AM radios in vehicles following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In her letter, Bird emphasizes AM stations’ critical role in emergency communication and highlights the life-saving information they provide during emergencies. Hurricane Helene, which struck the southeastern U.S. last week, had many communities solely reliant on AM radio after they were left without phone lines, cell service, internet, or electricity. Car manufacturers have been removing this vital service from new models in recent years. Bird says, “When disaster strikes, we must be prepared. Hurricane Helene is a harsh reminder of how critical it is to have dependable lines of communication in an emergency. AM radio stations and the people who work there are a lifeline in times of crisis. I am calling on Congress to prioritize AM radios, which we know provide a key network that saves lives and relays information families need to protect themselves.” Bird and Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, joined 10 other state attorneys general in calling on Congress to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, citing AM radio’s vital role in the Emergency Alert System, which often reaches areas FM signals cannot. The full letter is included below.
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