Political Quotes

“I rise today in support of free speech and in support of AM radio. AM radio is something that is widely enjoyed by Americans across this country. Over 80 million Americans listen to AM radio every month. They rely on it. Yet, earlier this year, we saw eight major automakers announce that they are stripping AM radio from new cars and new trucks, taking away the option of AM radio for consumers. That decision, I believe, was a serious mistake--a mistake that would hurt Texans and that would hurt Americans in all 50 States. As a result, I join with my colleague, the Senator from Massachusetts, Ed Markey, in introducing legislation--the AM Radio for Every Car Act. I would note that Senator Markey is one of if not the most liberal Senator in this Chamber, and I am one of if not the most conservative Senator in this Chamber. I do not recall another bill on which Senator Markey and I have joined forces, and it speaks to the power of this issue that you see such deep agreement across ideological lines. When Senator Markey and I introduced that legislation, within days, one of the eight major carmakers--Ford Motor Company--reversed course and announced they would now include AM radio on new cars and trucks. I think they viewed this coalition as a sign of the apocalypse. I would note that this bill has overwhelming bipartisan support. It has 44 cosponsors, 22 Democrats and 22 Republicans.…”