Fighting for AM Radio in Every Vehicle

Dear Neighbor,

Millions of Americans rely on AM radio every day. During Superstorm Sandy and countless other emergencies, AM radio kept New Jersey families informed when other systems failed. AM radio isn't just an essential public-safety tool--it's also a forum for diverse and free community programming. Access to AM radio helps build safer, better connected, and more vibrant communities.

That's why I introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. My bill would require automakers to maintain free, easily accessible AM radios in all new vehicles sold in the United States, and require companies to give clear notice if a vehicle lacks AM access before the new requirement takes effect.

During a productive time in Washington this week, my Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, bringing it one step closer to becoming the law of the land. I’m committed to seeing this legislation through to the finish line and to doing my part to improve our public safety.

You can read my statement HERE, and watch my remarks in the video below.

Protecting your access to vaccines

Earlier this summer, HHS Secretary Kennedy made lifesaving vaccines inaccessible to millions of Americans by restricting access to COVID-19 shots. Not only does this make getting an appointment for a vaccine more difficult--it also means that full insurance coverage for these vaccines will be harder to ensure.

That's why this week, I introduced a bill to protect free vaccines for all Americans and put a stop to Secretary Kennedy's chaos. It would require private health insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare to continue covering vaccines free of cost-sharing for Americans. It would mean all vaccines recommended by a federal advisory panel (before Secretary Kennedy fired the entire panel and stacked it with anti-science activists) can be obtained by Americans free of cost.

You can read the full release HERE.

Republicans Want to Send Your Power Bill Through the Roof

Rather than working with Democrats to lower energy costs, House Republicans wasted floor time this week with three energy bills that double down on their Big Ugly Bill.

H.R. 1047 would force the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to allow power grid operators to prioritize new fossil fuel power plants over wind and solar plants.
H.R. 3015 would permanently re-establish the National Coal Council (NCC), an advisory council at the Department of Energy (DOE), even though DOE has already re-established it.
H.R. 3062 would block the federal government’s ability to comprehensively review oil and gas pipelines that cross into Mexico and Canada.

Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill will raise electricity bills, increase the risk of blackouts, and worsen air pollution – and these three bills are more of the same.

With the Trump administration's assault on clean energy forcing our power grids to rely on expensive fossil fuel power plants, it's clear Trump and Republicans don't care about affordability. In fact, they want to make you pay even more in energy costs, right as they're sending inflation soaring with tariffs.

I called out House Republicans on their ruinous agenda in a markup this week. You can watch my remarks in the video below.

Standing Up for Free Speech

Political violence and violent political rhetoric are unacceptable, but so is eroding our right to free speech. This week, the president has cracked down on free speech and eroded the first amendment like none of his predecessors. If a person you agree with has the right to speak, doesn’t everyone else? Especially the people you disagree with? That freedom is the heart of America.

I won't be cowed into silence by Trump or Republicans. I will always stand up for your rights to free speech and expression--the most fundamental of American values.

Join Me for U.S. Service Academy Day

If you’re considering applying to a U.S. Service Academy, I invite you to our 15th Annual U.S. Service Academy Day on Saturday, October 11 at Middlesex College in Edison. You’ll hear from representatives of the U.S. Naval Academy (which commissions both Navy and Marine Corps officers), the U.S. Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and R.O.T.C.

Click here to visit my website or call my offices directly if you have questions or need help with a federal agency:

Middlesex County: 732-249-8892

Monmouth County: 732-571-1140

Sincerely,

Congressman Pallone