FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke on the record about the importance of AM radio in times of emergencies at a Thursday hearing held by the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology hearing.

At the hearing, Republican Representative John Brecheen (R-OK) asked Criswell, “In your opinion, does the removal of AM radio in some cars weaken your ability through the National Public Warning System to reach Americans in times of crisis?”

“AM radio is one of the most dependable ways that we can reach individuals across this country to get warnings out there,” Criswell responded. “I do believe that if we remove AM radio from our vehicles, we’re just taking away a very stable and reliable source for us to get that information out there. AM radio is integrated into our emergency alert and warning system, and I think it would have a significant impact.”

This appears to be the first public comment from Criswell on the subject.

In May, Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) sent a letter to Criswell expressing their concern about the matter, seeking more clarity on the specific threats it poses to the EAS and what FEMA is doing to ensure the EAS can continue to carry out its vital role “so that our constituents can remain confident in their ability to receive emergency alerts.”

The letter presented a series of questions, including how the removal of AM from vehicles will threaten the effectiveness of the EAS, how many National Public Warning System stations rely exclusively on broadcasting through AM radio, and whether FEMA has taken any action to dissuade automakers from removing AM radios.

Michael George, Associate Administrator of FEMA’s Office of National Continuity Programs, responded to Gottheimer and Gallagher in a letter dated May 23. In the letter, George called EAS “an important component” of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) program. “AM radio stations operate as a steward of this important public service in close partnership with state, local, tribal and territorial authorities. Notably, the far and durable reach of the AM broadcast in a time of emergency, the removal of AM receivers in certain vehicles is of great concern to the FEMA,” George continued. “The broadcast of emergency information via AM radio is a critical part of the EAS and plays a key role in our ability to provide timely and effective alerts and updates to those across the country.”

George went on to say that “millions of people could be prevented from receiving critical lifesaving information if AM radios are not included in automobiles operated on U.S. roads and highways. Although IPAWS works toward integrating alerts into emerging technologies, it is still our responsibility to meet people where they are by [continuing] to support proven communications methods such as AM radio, and we encourage automakers to so the same.”

The letter from George also noted that FEMA’s IPAWS program “is actively working with the auto industry to ensure current and emerging technologies play a role in keeping people safe and be reached during critical times.” George added that FEMA “will continue to encourage automakers to consider the potential safety ramifications and socioeconomic factors relating to this decision and to participate as a partner in our work to identify equitable solutions.”