[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 6, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H1374-H1377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT

  Ms. NORTON. Madam 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.
  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 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

[[Page H1375]]

     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.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Rodney Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.


                             General Leave

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on H.R. 66.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 66. This bill 
establishes a Route 66 Centennial Commission to develop and plan a 
fitting celebration of the 100th anniversary of America's Mother Road, 
as it is called.
  U.S. Route 66 was established November 11, 1926. The 2,448-mile 
highway originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, 
California, and passed through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New 
Mexico, and Arizona in between.
  A precursor of the interstate system, this route was born out of the 
need for greater connectivity in our Nation after the rise of 
automobile ownership. Disparate segments of roads and paths were woven 
into a cohesive highway that offered Americans unparalleled ease of 
mobility.
  The historic route has carried Americans of all stripes, from 
migrants during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s to curious road trippers 
following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac.
  While Route 66 became largely obsolete after completion of the 
interstate system, it holds a unique place in our Nation's surface 
transportation history. The story of Route 66 serves as an important 
reminder as to why our interconnected system of roads is vital and why 
we can never devolve to a piecemeal approach to surface transportation 
policy.
  This bipartisan bill is led by Representative Davis, the ranking 
member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, and has bipartisan 
cosponsorship among Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 
members, including Representatives Napolitano and Lipinski, and I am 
proud to be a cosponsor as well. I support H.R. 66 and urge my 
colleagues join me in passing this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to be here today.
  I recognize the chairperson of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee 
and thank her for her support, Ms. Holmes Norton. I appreciate her 
support on this issue. As her ranking member on the committee, I look 
forward to working with her in a very bipartisan way to make sure that 
we put infrastructure first when it comes to the United States of 
America, and I congratulate her on her chairmanship.
  I thank my colleague who has joined us on the floor, my partner in 
getting this bill passed in the last Congress, too, Grace Napolitano. 
We kind of sit on both sides of Route 66: I in central Illinois, and 
Mrs. Napolitano on the far west side with a lot more ocean air than in 
the middle of Illinois in her district near Santa Monica, California.
  As you know, Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 66.
  I thank the Speaker of the House for giving us this designation of 
H.R. 66 because it is very important for the historical context of this 
bill that creates the Route 66 Centennial Commission.
  I am proud to have Route 66 run right through the middle of my 
district. As you know, in 1926, Route 66 became our Nation's first all-
paved highway under the U.S. highway system, connecting Chicago, 
Illinois, which is about 3 hours north of me. Right through the middle 
of the 13th District in Illinois runs this road.
  Early on, this road, of course, ended in Santa Monica, California, 
but it was used by hundreds of thousands of Americans, as Ms. Norton 
said, seeking escape from the Dust Bowl. It provided critical 
employment opportunities for road crews and infrastructure investment 
during our Great Depression.
  During World War II, our highway transported troops, equipment, 
supplies to military bases across our country, and it was used after 
the war by thousands of troops coming home to see 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 know today.
  In April of 2017, my colleague from central Illinois, Darin LaHood, 
and I went on an extended tour along with numerous State legislators in 
Illinois, like my good friend Representative Tim Butler and my State 
representative, Avery Bourne, and we toured the stretches of Route 66 
that we share.
  I had the opportunity to personally witness the economic impact of 
the Mother Road throughout my district and throughout Congressman 
LaHood's district. It supports many jobs and key economic activity in 
many of our smaller rural communities that we are blessed enough to 
represent. This keeps many of those communities alive, economically.
  Now travelers along Route 66 in my district can see a giant pink 
elephant. It is a big statue. You can't miss it

[[Page H1376]]

even when you are traveling on Interstate 55. But what you also can see 
there on a Sunday afternoon, because of the tourists and tourism 
opportunities along Route 66, the parking lot at the Pink Elephant 
Antique Mall and the diner attached to it in the small town of 
Livingston, Illinois, is packed. I took my family there to eat lunch 
not too long ago, and you could barely find a parking spot on a Sunday 
afternoon.
  You can also stop in Edwardsville, Illinois, at the Wildey Theatre, 
and you can experience the same theater experience that many in the 
1950s experienced right in Edwardsville, Illinois. That theater opened 
in 1909, and it has been redone.
  I got to stop by Jungle Jim's breakfast in Springfield, too. I got 
some good food, got some good pancakes; just don't eat too many of 
them.
  These are just a few of the thousands of local businesses along Route 
66, which is why this bill is so important. This is a system of not 
just roadways and trail paths.
  I want to make sure that we give this route what it deserves in our 
Nation's history. That is what this bill will do. That is why I am so 
supportive. I am glad to be an original author of this bill.
  I thank, again, my colleague, Mrs. Napolitano, and I look forward to 
her remarks.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to 
the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano), my good friend, who 
is a Democratic cosponsor of this bill.
  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I thank Ms. Norton for that great 
introduction.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 66, the Route 66 
Centennial Commission Act, and I thank Mr. Davis for being so kind as 
to begin the sponsorship of this bill because it is something that we 
all share, and we are proud of it.

                              {time}  1300

  I also want to thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for 
their support in moving this bill quickly in this Congress. Last 
Congress, we put it through--we almost got it through. But here we are 
again, and we hope this time it will go through.
  Route 66 runs east to west through my whole district as Foothill 
Boulevard and Huntington Drive in the cities of La Verne, San Dimas, 
Azusa, Duarte, and Monrovia.
  My district's restaurants include great food, tacos, Mexican food, 
Asian food, and great meals. And I challenge my friend to come and 
visit us, so we can take him through the whole area.
  The 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 local flavors of the communities 
that are proud to be connected with this iconic road.
  The city of Duarte, home to the fabulous City of Hope, a cancer 
treatment center, also celebrates Route 66 every September with a 
parade of classic cars, equestrian groups, marching bands, and the 
whole gamut. In fact, Route 66 signs have been a part of these 
communities for many years.
  The theme of the Los Angeles County Fair last year was Route 66, with 
memorabilia and Route 66-themed movie nights. They also have indicated 
strong support for again, next year, highlighting Route 66, so that 
more people can be made aware of how important this route is.
  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 the year 2026. It will 
also direct the Department of Transportation to develop a plan on the 
preservation of Route 66. The Department is required to consult with 
the eight States through which it travels, which include California, 
Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.
  Madam Speaker, Route 66 is a significant part of America's past, but 
it also continues to provide transportation, economic, and community 
benefits to our societies 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.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 66, not only 
because it is the right thing to do, but it is a preservation of an 
iconic portion of our history in the United States.
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much 
time I have remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois has 15\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. 15\1/2\ minutes. Awesome. Madam 
Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, look, we can't say much more about this bill. This is 
another true example of bipartisanship. This is what we do together in 
this institution to ensure that historical areas like Route 66 that 
span this great Nation are given the recognition that they deserve.
  This road, from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, that I have yet 
to take up--my colleague, Mrs. Napolitano, has offered to drive the 
entire distance on Route 66. Maybe we will have to do this during the 
100-year anniversary that this bill allows us to plan for.
  Let's give Route 66 its due. Let's think of the small-town 
communities that rely upon the mother road to survive. Let's continue 
to work together, like we are today, to put good bills through the 
House to the Senate. And let's get the President to sign them into law.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I certainly associate myself with my colleague's 
remarks on this bill.
  Madam Speaker, I am accustomed to historic places in the District of 
Columbia, because I represent the Nation's Capital. But I love the 
notion of a historic road, to understand how we built our country.
  I particularly think it is appropriate for us to be considering this 
bill this year when we have to consider a new transportation bill. As 
we consider the movement from east to west, this bill reminds us of how 
we got there, and we can't let such historic places--in this case, a 
road--just float from our memory. We have to do all we can to keep a 
road like Route 66 alive, as we do here in the District of Columbia, to 
keep the monuments a part of American history.
  I certainly appreciate the opening remarks, as well, of our new 
ranking member, Mr. Rodney Davis. Our Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee has been the most bipartisan committee in the entire 
Congress, and with Mr. Davis as ranking member of the subcommittee, I 
anticipate that it will continue to be.
  Madam Speaker, I have no more speakers on my side, so I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. WATKINS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 66, which 
would establish the Route 66 Centennial Commission.
  The historic Route 66, The Main Street of America, travels through 
Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs, Kansas in my district.
  While the 13 miles of Route 66 in Kansas may be the shortest stretch, 
it certainly has its fair share of history and beauty.
  From inspiring the animated movie character ``Tow Mater'' in Cars, to 
being the very definition of `the open road'.
  Route 66 is a staple of hometown America--and there is no better 
representation of hometown America than in these three Southeast Kansas 
communities.
  Route 66 is not only an economic driver, it is part of the identity 
of the community.
  I am thrilled to see Congress is taking proactive steps towards the 
revitalization and preservation of Route 66 and I urge my colleagues to 
join me in support of this legislation.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 66.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.

[[Page H1377]]

  

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________