[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 119 (Monday, July 16, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H6215-H6219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and pass the bill (H.R. 66) to establish the Route 66 Centennial 
Commission, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prepare a plan 
on the preservation needs of Route 66, and for other purposes, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                H.R. 66

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Route 66 Centennial 
     Commission Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Route 66 was the Nation's first all-paved highway under 
     the U.S. Highway System connecting the Midwest to California 
     and has played a major role in the history of the United 
     States.
       (2) Route 66 was the symbol of opportunity to hundreds of 
     thousands of people seeking escape from the Dust Bowl in the 
     1930s, serving as a ``road to opportunity'' in the West and 
     providing employment during the Great Depression, as 
     thousands were put to work on road crews to pave the road.
       (3) Route 66 was invaluable in transporting troops, 
     equipment, and supplies across the country to the West, where 
     the government established multiple industries and armed 
     force bases during World War II. Upon the conclusion of the 
     war in 1945, Route 66 was a key route taken by thousands of 
     troops as they returned home.
       (4) Route 66 symbolized the Nation's positive outlook 
     during the postwar economic recovery in the 1950s and 1960s, 
     serving as an icon of free-spirited independence and linking 
     people across the United States. During this period, the 
     tourist industry along Route 66 grew tremendously, giving 
     rise to countless tourist courts, motels, service stations, 
     garages, and diners.
       (5) Since June 27, 1985, when Route 66 was decommissioned 
     as a Federal highway, the popularity and mythical stature of 
     Route 66 has grown domestically and internationally, as the 
     road has experienced a rebirth of interest and support.
       (6) The year 2026 will be the centennial anniversary of 
     Route 66, and a commission should be established to study and 
     recommend to Congress activities that are fitting and proper 
     to celebrate that anniversary in a manner that appropriately 
     honors America's Mother Road.

     SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

       There is established a commission to be known as the Route 
     66 Centennial Commission (referred to in this Act as the 
     ``Commission'').

     SEC. 4. DUTIES.

       The Commission shall have the following duties:
       (1) To study activities that may be carried out by the 
     Federal Government to determine whether the activities are 
     fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on the occasion of its 
     centennial anniversary, including any of the activities 
     described under section 8(b)(2)(B).
       (2) To recommend to Congress the activities the Commission 
     considers most fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on such 
     occasion, to be carried out by the Department of 
     Transportation and any other entity or entities within the 
     Federal Government that the Commission considers most 
     appropriate to carry out such activities.
       (3) To plan and host, in cooperation with such partners, a 
     conference on the U.S. Numbered Highway System, and assist in 
     the activities of such a conference.

     SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.

       (a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be 
     composed of 19 members appointed as follows:
       (1) Three members, each of whom shall be a qualified 
     citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the 
     President.
       (2) Two members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen 
     described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on 
     the recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation.
       (3) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Illinois.
       (4) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Missouri.
       (5) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Kansas.
       (6) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Oklahoma.
       (7) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Texas.
       (8) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of New Mexico.
       (9) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Arizona.
       (10) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of California.
       (11) Three members, each of whom shall be a qualified 
     citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the 
     President on the recommendation

[[Page H6216]]

     of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in 
     consultation with the minority leader of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (12) Three members, each of whom shall be a qualified 
     citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the 
     President on the recommendation of the majority leader of the 
     Senate, in consultation with the minority leader of the 
     Senate.
       (b) Qualified Citizen.--A qualified citizen described in 
     this subsection is a private citizen of the United States 
     with--
       (1) a demonstrated dedication to educating others about the 
     importance of historical figures and events; and
       (2) substantial knowledge and appreciation of Route 66.
       (c) Time of Appointment.--Each initial appointment of a 
     member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration 
     of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.
       (d) Continuation of Membership.--If a member of the 
     Commission was appointed to the Commission as a Member of 
     Congress, and ceases to be a Member of Congress, that member 
     may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than 
     the 30-day period beginning on the date that member ceases to 
     be a Member of Congress.
       (e) Terms.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of 
     the Commission.
       (f) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not 
     affect the powers of the Commission but shall be filled in 
     the manner in which the original appointment was made.
       (g) Basic Pay.--Members shall serve on the Commission 
     without pay.
       (h) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in 
     accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (i) Quorum.--Seven members of the Commission shall 
     constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
       (j) Chair.--The President, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Transportation, shall designate one member of 
     the Commission as Chair.
       (k) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chair.

     SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

       (a) Director.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay 
     of a Director and such additional personnel as the Commission 
     considers to be appropriate.
       (b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--
       (1) Director.--The Director of the Commission may be 
     appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United 
     States Code, governing appointments in the competitive 
     service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of 
     chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title 
     relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
       (2) Staff.--The staff of the Commission shall be appointed 
     subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, 
     governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall 
     be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and 
     subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to 
     classification and General Schedule pay rates.

     SEC. 7. POWERS.

       (a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the 
     purpose of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings, sit and 
     act at such times and places, take such testimony, and 
     receive such evidence as the Commission considers to be 
     appropriate.
       (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of 
     the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any 
     action that the Commission is authorized to take by this Act.
       (c) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may secure 
     directly from any department or agency of the United States 
     information necessary to enable the Commission to carry out 
     this Act. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the 
     head of that department or agency shall furnish that 
     information to the Commission.
       (d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails 
     in the same manner and under the same conditions as other 
     departments and agencies of the United States.
       (e) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of 
     the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall 
     provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the 
     administrative support services necessary for the Commission 
     to carry out its responsibilities under this Act.

     SEC. 8. REPORTS.

       (a) Interim Reports.--The Commission may submit to Congress 
     such interim reports as the Commission considers to be 
     appropriate.
       (b) Comprehensive Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a report incorporating specific 
     recommendations for the commemoration of the centennial of 
     Route 66 and related events.
       (2) Contents of report.--The report under paragraph (1)--
       (A) shall include recommendations for the allocation of 
     financial and administrative responsibility among the public 
     and private authorities and organizations recommended for 
     participation by the Commission; and
       (B) may recommend activities such as--
       (i) the production, publication, and distribution of books, 
     pamphlets, films, electronic publications, and other 
     educational materials focusing on the history and impact of 
     Route 66 on the United States and the world;
       (ii) bibliographical and documentary projects, 
     publications, and electronic resources;
       (iii) conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars, and 
     other programs;
       (iv) the development of programs by and for libraries, 
     museums, parks, and historic sites, including national 
     traveling exhibitions;
       (v) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific 
     events;
       (vi) the production, distribution, and performance of 
     artistic works, and of programs and activities, focusing on 
     the national and international significance of Route 66; and
       (vii) the issuance of commemorative coins, medals, 
     certificates of recognition, and postage stamps.
       (c) Final Report.--The Commission shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a final report not later than 90 days 
     before the termination of the Commission provided in section 
     10.

     SEC. 9. PLAN ON PRESERVATION NEEDS OF ROUTE 66.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation, in 
     consultation with the Governors referred to in section 5(a), 
     shall prepare a plan on the preservation needs of Route 66.
       (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works of the Senate, and the President a report 
     containing the plan prepared under subsection (a).

     SEC. 10. TERMINATION.

       The Commission shall terminate not later than June 30, 
     2027.

     SEC. 11. CLARIFICATION REGARDING FUNDING.

       No additional funds are authorized to carry out the 
     requirements of this Act. Such requirements may be carried 
     out using amounts otherwise authorized or made available for 
     the Department of Transportation, except for amounts 
     authorized from the Highway Trust Fund.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. 
Napolitano) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and 
extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 66, as 
amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 66, the Route 66 
Centennial Commission Act.
  I thank my colleague, Representative Grace Napolitano, for sponsoring 
this legislation with me, and I also thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking 
Member DeFazio for helping shepherd this bill to the floor, along with 
Highways and Transit Subcommittee chairman, Mr. Graves.
  I am proud to have Route 66 run through the middle of my district, 
and I believe it is important that we celebrate the history of Route 
66.
  In 1926, Route 66 became our Nation's first all-paved highway under 
the U.S. highway system, connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, 
California. Early on, the road was used by hundreds of thousands of 
Americans seeking to escape the Dust Bowl and provided critical 
employment opportunities for road crews paving the road during the 
Great Depression.
  During World War II, the highway transported troops, equipment, and 
supplies to military bases across our country and was used after the 
war by thousands of troops returning home to their families.
  By the 1950s, Route 66 began to see a rise in tourism and became the 
true symbol of American freedom and independence that we all know 
today.
  In April of last year, I went on an extended tour of Illinois' 
stretch of the highway with my colleague Representative Darin LaHood 
and also many State and local leaders. I had the opportunity to see the 
economic impact that the Mother Road brings to Illinois. It supports 
many jobs and key economic activity in small towns, and it helps to 
generate important revenue to support those small rural communities.
  For example, travelers along Route 66 in Illinois can see a giant 
pink elephant statue and other larger-than-life sculptures at the Pink 
Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, as a matter of fact, my family and I were coming back to 
my hometown of Taylorville yesterday, and we stopped and had a great 
lunch at the Twistee Treat, which is attached to the Pink Elephant 
Antique Mall. So

[[Page H6217]]

if you ever want to go there, they have great burgers. I happened to 
have a pork tenderloin sandwich that I probably shouldn't have eaten, 
but it was really, really good, and topped it off, of course, with 
Twistee Treat's famous ice cream.
  You can also, if you are traveling Route 66, stop and see a movie at 
the Wildey Theater in Edwardsville, Illinois. That originally opened in 
1909. Or stop for an all-day breakfast at Jungle Jim's Cafe, a 
quintessential roadside diner in Springfield, Illinois.
  Those are just a few of the thousands of local businesses along Route 
66 whose livelihoods depend upon the historic highway.
  You don't even have to be in a car to ride along Route 66. The 
Illinois Route 66 Trail is a system of off-road paths for bikes, 
hikers, or anyone else looking to see the Mother Road in a different 
way.
  The centennial of this great highway will be an international 
celebration, and the State of Illinois will be ready to welcome 
travelers from around the world who want to experience the history and 
magic of this scenic byway.
  This bill, Mr. Speaker, will create a 19-member commission to 
recommend activities to honor the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road 
in the year 2026.
  It also directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop a 
plan to ensure the first all-paved U.S. highway connecting the Midwest 
to my colleague's, Mrs. Napolitano's, district in California will be 
preserved for many years to come. In doing this, the Secretary of 
Transportation will work with the Governors of the eight States that 
this historic highway passes through to develop a comprehensive 
preservation plan.
  H.R. 66 is endorsed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation; 
the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership; the National Historic Route 66 
Federation; Auto Club Enterprises, also known as AAA; and the Route 66 
Alliance.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record their letters of support of the 
bill.

                                                National Trust for


                                        Historic Preservation,

                                                    July 16, 2018.
       Dear Members of the House of Representatives: We appreciate 
     this opportunity to present the National Trust for Historic 
     Preservation's perspective on H.R. 66, the Route 66 
     Centennial Commission Act, which is scheduled for House floor 
     consideration today. The National Trust enthusiastically 
     endorses this legislation and looks forward to its enactment 
     this year.


       interests of the national trust for historic preservation

       The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a 
     privately-funded charitable, educational, and nonprofit 
     organization chartered by Congress in 1949 to ``facilitate 
     public participation in historic preservation'' and to 
     further the purposes of federal historic preservation laws. 
     The intent of Congress was for the National Trust ``to 
     mobilize and coordinate public interest, participation, and 
     resources in the preservation and interpretation of sites and 
     buildings.'' With headquarters in Washington, D.C., nine 
     field offices, 27 historic sites, more than one million 
     members and supporters, and a national network of partners in 
     states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the 
     National Trust works to save America's historic places and 
     advocates for historic preservation as a fundamental value in 
     programs and policies at all levels of government.


              h.r. 66, route 66 centennial commission act

       We appreciate Representative Rodney Davis' leadership on 
     this legislation to create a Route 66 Centennial Commission 
     that recognizes and honors Route 66 on its centennial 
     anniversary. Historic Route 66 stretches approximately 2,400 
     miles from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA, passing through 
     eight states and more than 300 communities. This vital 
     transportation corridor between the Midwest and southern 
     California has endured as a symbol of freedom and mobility 
     while epitomizing a new optimism that pervaded the nation's 
     economic recovery following World War II.
       Route 66 was found by the National Park Service (NPS) to be 
     nationally significant in its 1995 Route 66 Special Resource 
     Study, which determined that Route 66 met the eligibility 
     requirements for a National Historic Trail. Numerous 
     buildings along Route 66 are listed on the National Register 
     of Historic Places (NRHP), and a 2012 Multiple Property 
     Documentation Form (MPDF) establishing the road's national 
     significance was recently approved by the Keeper of the 
     National Register. Route 66 has been designated a National 
     Scenic Byway in four states, including one segment that has 
     been designated an All-American Road--the highest designation 
     offered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
       Route 66 is internationally recognized as representing 
     America's love of the automobile and open road. As a Dustbowl 
     migration route, a World War II strategic military route, and 
     a vacation travel route, it has been celebrated in music, 
     literature, television, movies, and popular lore. The 
     National Trust has been supportive of Route 66 preservation 
     efforts for many years, including it in our signature 
     National Treasures program, participating in symposiums, 
     providing strategic assistance, and including Route 66 on the 
     2018 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
       When Congress passed the Route 66 Corridor Preservation 
     Program in 1999, a program administered by the National Park 
     Service (NPS), Route 66 was described as a symbol of the 
     American people's heritage of travel and their legacy of 
     seeking a better life. We applaud Representative Rodney Davis 
     and the over 40 cosponsors of H.R. 66 for their commitment to 
     recognizing the national significance of Route 66.
       Thank you again for the opportunity to present the National 
     Trust's perspectives on this legislation, and we look forward 
     to working with Congress to ensure H.R. 66 is enacted into 
     law this year.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Pam Bowman,
     Director of Public Lands Policy.
                                  ____



                            The Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership,

                                                    March 7, 2018.
       Congressman Davis: The Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership 
     supports H.R. 66, which will establish a Rt. 66 100th 
     Anniversary Commission at the Federal level. This legislation 
     will help ensure activities that are fitting and proper to 
     celebrate this milestone are planned and carried out in a way 
     that appropriately honors America's Mother Road.
       2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of 
     the U.S. Numbered Highway System and Route 66. The road was 
     our nation's first all-paved highway connecting the Midwest, 
     starting in Illinois, and ending in California. Since the 
     early decades of the 20th Century, Route 66 has reflected and 
     been an integral part of American history.
       Hundreds of thousands of people used Route 66 to escape the 
     Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and many found employment along its 
     path. The road also transported troops, equipment, and other 
     military supplies across the country during WWII, and was 
     used by thousands of troops as they returned home. In the 
     1950s and 1960s, Route 66 saw the rise of American tourism 
     and became home to countless tourist attractions, motels, 
     diners, and other businesses along its path. Today, Route 66 
     remains an iconic symbol of American freedom and of the U.S. 
     as a mobile society.
       H.R. 66 will create a commission to recommend activities 
     for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66. 
     The bill also requires USDOT to develop a plan on the 
     preservation needs of the road, and directs USDOT to host a 
     conference on the U.S. Numbered Highway System.
       The Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership believes in the 
     preservation, promotion, and development of Route 66, and is 
     committed to helping ensure the road's 100th Anniversary is 
     planned and celebrated in a manner that recognizes its 
     historic significance. For this reason, we strongly support 
     H.R. 66.
           Sincerely,
                                                William M. Thomas,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                                 National Historic


                                          Route 66 Federation,

                            Lake Arrowhead, CA, February 10, 2018.
       The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership: This is to let you 
     know, the National Historic Route 66 Federation supports H.R. 
     66, which will establish a Route 66 100th Anniversary 
     Commission at the Federal level. This legislation will help 
     ensure activities that are fitting and proper to celebrate 
     this milestone are planned and carried out in a way that 
     appropriately honors America's Mother Road.
       2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of 
     the U.S. Numbered Highway System and Route 66. The road was 
     our nation's first all-paved highway connecting the Midwest, 
     starting in Illinois, and ending in California. Since the 
     early decades of the 20th Century, Route 66 has reflected and 
     been an integral part of American history.
       Hundreds of thousands of people used Route 66 to escape the 
     Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and many found employment along its 
     corridor. The road also transported troops, equipment, and 
     other military supplies across the country during the Second 
     World War, and was traveled by thousands of troops as they 
     returned home.
       In the 1950s and 1960s, Route 66 saw the rise of American 
     tourism and became home to countless tourist attractions, 
     motels, diners and other businesses along its path. Today, 
     Route 66 remains an iconic symbol of American freedom and of 
     the U.S. as a mobile society.
       H.R. 66 will create a commission to recommend activities 
     for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66. 
     The bill also requires USDOT to develop a plan on the 
     preservation needs of the road, and directs USDOT to host a 
     conference on the U.S. Numbered Highway System.
       For 24 years, The National Historic Route 66 Federation has 
     been dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Route 66, 
     and is committed to helping ensure the road's 100th 
     Anniversary is planned and celebrated in a

[[Page H6218]]

     manner that recognizes its historic significance. For this 
     reason, we strongly support H.R. 66.
           Sincerely,
                                                    David Knudson,
     Executive Director.
                                  ____

                                                Automobile Club of


                                          Southern California,

                                Los Angeles, CA, January 17, 2017.
     Subject: H.R. 66--Route 66 Centennial Commission Act.

     Hon. Rodney Davis,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       The Honorable Congressman Davis: Auto Club Enterprises 
     (AAA) applauds your leadership for introducing H.R. 66, which 
     would form a commission tasked with celebrating Route 66's 
     centennial and direct that a preservation plan for the Route 
     be prepared.
       Auto Club Enterprises represents the interests of our AAA 
     members and motorists in five of the eight states represented 
     in this proposal (California, New Mexico, Texas, Missouri and 
     southern Illinois). Furthermore, the largest motor club 
     within ACE, the Automobile Club of Southern California 
     (ACSC), played a central role in the survey and signposting 
     of the original highway that became Route 66: the National 
     Old Trails Road, created in 1914-1915. ACSC published the 
     first maps of the route and its signs guided travelers for 
     the first decade of the road's existence [both illustrations 
     attached].
       We are keenly aware of the strong historical connection 
     between Route 66 and major trends in our nation's history and 
     travel and the history of the Southwest.
       Route 66 was one of our nation's first all-paved highways 
     connecting the Midwest to California, and has played a major 
     role in the history of the United States. It offered 
     opportunity to hundreds of thousands of people seeking escape 
     from the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, and its construction created 
     jobs for thousands during the Great Depression.
       Route 66 represented America's great optimism and 
     enthusiasm during the postwar economic recovery. In this era, 
     the tourism industry along Route 66 grew tremendously; giving 
     rise to countless tourist courts, motels, service stations, 
     garages, and diners.
       Because of its resonance within American history and 
     culture, Route 66 has been the subject of memorable 
     productions in all media, from popular music to television to 
     movies.
       For all these reasons--its historical and cultural 
     significance and its connection with our own history, Auto 
     Club Enterprises supports the passage of H.R. 66.
       We look forward to working with you and other stakeholders 
     in support of passing H.R. 66 and to our continued 
     partnership after its passage to successfully implement its 
     provisions.
           Sincerely,

                                               Hamid Bahadori,

                                    Manager, Transportation Policy
     and Programs.
                                  ____



                                        The Route 66 Alliance,

                                      Tulsa, OK, February 8, 2018.
     Re H.R. 66.

       The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership: On behalf of the Route 
     66 Alliance, I am pleased to provide this letter of support 
     for H.R. 66, which will establish a Route 66 100th 
     Anniversary Commission at the Federal level. This legislation 
     will help ensure activities that are fitting and proper to 
     celebrate this milestone are planned and carried out in a 
     manner that appropriately honors America's Mother Road.
       2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of 
     the U.S. Numbered Highway System and Route 66. The road was 
     our nation's first all-paved highway connecting the Midwest, 
     beginning in Illinois, and ending in California. Since the 
     early decades of the 20th Century, Route 66 has reflected and 
     been an integral part of American history. And Tulsa 
     celebrates this legacy since the Father of Route 66, Cyrus 
     Avery, led the effort to have Route 66 pass through Oklahoma, 
     specifically Tulsa, where East meets West!
       Hundreds of thousands of people used Route 66 to escape the 
     Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and many found employment along its 
     path. The road also transported troops, equipment, and other 
     military supplies across the country during the Second World 
     War, and was used by thousands of troops as they returned 
     home. In the 1950s and 1960s, Route 66 saw the rise of 
     American tourism and became home to countless tourist 
     attractions, motels, diners, and other businesses along its 
     path. Today, Route 66 remains an iconic symbol of American 
     freedom and of the U.S. as a mobile society.
       H.R. 66 will create a commission to recommend activities 
     for the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66. 
     The bill also requires USDOT to develop a plan on the 
     preservation needs of the road, and directs USDOT to host a 
     conference on the U.S. Numbered Highway System.
       The Route 66 Alliance is dedicated to the preservation and 
     promotion of Route 66, and is committed to helping ensure the 
     road's 100th Anniversary is planned and celebrated in a 
     manner that recognizes its historic significance. For this 
     reason, we strongly support H.R. 66.
           Best regards,
                                                        Ken Busby,
                                         Executive Director & CEO.

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, throughout its history, 
Route 66 has become more than just a way to get from point A to point 
B. It has evolved into a symbol of American independence and 
prosperity. I am proud to help continue the legacy of Route 66, and I 
urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 66.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of H.R. 66, the Route 66 
Centennial Commission Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Congressman Rodney Davis, for 
introducing this legislation with me; and I thank Chairman Shuster and 
Chairman Graves and Ranking Member DeFazio and Ranking Member Norton 
for their support in moving this bill along through the committee.
  Route 66, as was pointed out, runs east to west through my district 
as Foothill Boulevard and Huntington Drive in the cities of La Verne, 
San Dimas, Azusa, Duarte, and Monrovia. Our local restaurants, shops, 
and businesses, like so many others dotting the interstate from the 
heartland to the West Coast, provide rest breaks for travelers, 
allowing them to sample the local flavors of our communities that are 
proud to be connected by the iconic road. Other cities are doing this 
as well.
  The city of Duarte celebrates every year in September with a parade 
of classic cars, equestrian groups, and marching bands. Along the 
highway, there are signs still there from long ago showing Route 66 
lives there.
  The theme of the Los Angeles County Fair this year, which is a very 
popular fair, is Route 66, with memorabilia and Route 66 movie-themed 
nights.
  States and local governments across the country are reinvesting in 
Route 66 as an icon of American history and culture. The Federal 
Government should be involved in this effort as well.
  H.R. 66 creates a national commission to recommend activities to 
commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.
  The bill will also direct the Department of Transportation, as was 
pointed out, to develop a plan on the preservation needs of this iconic 
Route 66. The Department is required to consult with eight States 
through which Route 66 travels, which include California, Arizona, New 
Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, Route 66 is a significant part of America's past, but it 
also continues to provide transportation, economic, and community 
benefits to our society today. We must continue to improve this 
historic road so that many more generations can, in the words of Chuck 
Berry, get their kicks on Route 66.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support Route 66, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1700

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank my 
colleague Mrs. Napolitano, and also my colleague Mr. LaHood, for going 
on the Route 66 tour and passing legislation through the Natural 
Resources Committee when he was a member of that committee to ensure 
that this Mother Road gets the recognition that it deserves when it 
turns 100 years old.
  I will tell you, you talk about economic impacts, this road has a 
tremendous impact in rural America and central Illinois. When I pulled 
into the Pink Elephant Antique Mall yesterday, it was tough to find a 
parking spot on a Sunday in Livingston, Illinois, when that town has 
850 people who reside there. This is a big deal.
  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. I yield to the gentlewoman from 
California.
  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. My communities, as of now, are very excited about 
this bill and the celebration of the 100th birthday.
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 66, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the

[[Page H6219]]

rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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