news

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5), who is Chair of the Energy & Commerce Committee's Communications & Technology Subcommittee, visited an AM radio station located in Maryland that serves the east coast to view redundancy measures implemented to remain operational in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. This AM radio station is one of more than 70 hardened radio stations in the United States. 

"We know the important role AM radio stations play in providing emergency alerts, local news, and weather reports for millions of Americans," Latta said. "This underscores the need to strengthen the resiliency of these stations, especially as extreme weather – like we've witnessed with hurricanes Helene and Milton – threatens to take them offline. And with hundreds of cell towers down due to the recent hurricanes, it's important AM radios stay operational for Americans to receive crucial information and updates.

"It's encouraging to hear AM radio stations are implementing 21st Century technology to improve and strengthen their operating systems. As Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, it was important to receive an in-depth look today at an AM radio station that is putting this technology to good use. 

"Congress has a role to play in strengthening our communications systems. And as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I'll continue working with my colleagues to advance commonsense legislation that fortifies our critical infrastructure, including AM radio stations, the electric grid, and our telecommunications networks."