[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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