[House Report 115-821]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
115th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 115-821
======================================================================
ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT
_______
July 16, 2018.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Shuster, from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 66]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to whom
was referred 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, having considered the same,
report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that
the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Purpose of Legislation........................................... 4
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 4
Hearings......................................................... 5
Legislative History and Consideration............................ 5
Committee Votes.................................................. 5
Committee Oversight Findings..................................... 5
New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures........................ 5
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................ 5
Performance Goals and Objectives................................. 6
Advisory of Earmarks............................................. 6
Duplication of Federal Programs.................................. 7
Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings.............................. 7
Federal Mandate Statement........................................ 7
Preemption Clarification......................................... 7
Advisory Committee Statement..................................... 7
Applicability of Legislative Branch.............................. 7
Section-by-Section Analysis of Legislation....................... 7
Changes in Existing Law made by the Bill, as Reported............ 8
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
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 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.
PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION
H.R. 66 establishes the framework to determine how best to
commemorate and preserve Route 66.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
U.S. Highway 66, better known as Route 66 or the Mother
Road, provided an important link between the Midwest and
Southern California. Route 66 initially spanned 2,448 miles. It
was designated, along with the other original U.S. highways, by
the American Association of State Highway Officials and the
Bureau of Public Roads in 1926. Route 66 will celebrate its
centennial anniversary in 2026.
H.R. 66 establishes the Route 66 Centennial Commission
(Commission) to study and make recommendations to Congress on
how to best commemorate Route 66 on its 100-year anniversary.
The bill also directs the Commission to host a conference with
certain partners on the U.S. Numbered Highway System. Finally,
H.R. 66 requires the Secretary of Transportation, in
consultation with certain Governors, to prepare a plan on the
preservation needs of Route 66. The Secretary must then submit
a report on the plan to Congress.
HEARINGS
No hearings were held on H.R. 66.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY AND CONSIDERATION
On January 3, 2017, Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL)
introduced H.R. 66. The bill was referred solely to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On June 27, 2018, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure met in open session to consider H.R. 66.
Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) offered an amendment to conform
the bill with House CUT-GO protocols, which was adopted by
voice vote. The Committee ordered H.R. 66, as amended, to be
reported favorably to the House by a voice vote with a quorum
present.
COMMITTEE VOTES
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires each committee report to include the
total number of votes cast for and against on each record vote
on a motion to report and on any amendment offered to the
measure or matter, and the names of those members voting for
and against. There were no recorded votes taken in connection
with consideration of H.R. 66.
COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(1) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are
reflected in this report.
NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY AND TAX EXPENDITURES
Clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives does not apply where a cost estimate and
comparison prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974 has been timely submitted prior to the filing of the
report and is included in the report. Such a cost estimate is
included in this report.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE
With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(3) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section
402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has
received the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 66 from the
Director of the Congressional Budget Office:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, July 9, 2018.
Hon. Bill Shuster,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastruture,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 66, the Route 66
Centennial Commission Act.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Matthew
Pickford.
Sincerely,
Mark P. Hadley
(For Keith Hall, Director).
Enclosure.
H.R. 66--Route 66 Centennial Commission Act
H.R. 66 would establish a commission to study activities to
commemorate the centennial anniversary of Route 66 and to hold
a conference on the U.S. highway system. The commission would
consist of 19 members, who would serve without pay but would be
reimbursed for travel expenses. The bill would authorize the
commission to hold hearings, hire staff, and collect
information from federal agencies. The commission would submit
a final report to the Congress within five years and would
terminate by June 30, 2027. In addition, the Department of
Transportation would prepare a report on measures needed to
preserve Route 66.
Based on the cost of similar commissions and reports, CBO
estimates that implementing the bill would cost about $3
million over the 2019-2023 period mostly for staff. Such
spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated
funds.
Enacting H.R. 66 would not affect direct spending or
revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 66 would not increase net
direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four
consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029.
H.R. 66 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Matthew
Pickford and Sarah Puro. This estimate was reviewed by Theresa
Gullo, Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(4) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
performance goal and objective of the legislation is to
determine how best to commemorate and preserve Route 66.
ADVISORY OF EARMARKS
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, the Committee is required to include a list
of congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited
tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of
rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives. No
provision in the bill includes an earmark, limited tax benefit,
or limited tariff benefit under clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of
rule XXI.
DUPLICATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that no provision
of H.R. 66 establishes or reauthorizes a program of the federal
government known to be duplicative of another federal program,
a program that was included in any report from the Government
Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of
Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a program
identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance.
DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTED RULE MAKINGS
Pursuant to section 3(i) of H. Res. 5, 115th Cong. (2017),
the Committee estimates that enacting H.R. 66 does not
specifically direct the completion of any specific rule makings
within the meaning of section 551 of title 5, United States
Code.
FEDERAL MANDATE STATEMENT
The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of federal
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform
Act (Public Law 104-4).
PREEMPTION CLARIFICATION
Section 423 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
requires the report of any Committee on a bill or joint
resolution to include a statement on the extent to which the
bill or joint resolution is intended to preempt state, local,
or tribal law. The Committee states that H.R. 66 does not
preempt any state, local, or tribal law.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT
No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b)
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act are created by the
legislation.
APPLICABILITY OF LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law
104-1).
SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF LEGISLATION
Section 1. Short title
Section 1 designates the short title of the bill as the
Route 66 Centennial Commission Act.
Section 2. Findings
Section 2 lists congressional findings.
Section 3. Establishment
Section 3 establishes the Route 66 Centennial Commission
(Commission).
Section 4. Duties
Section 4 assigns duties to the Commission.
Section 5. Membership
Section 5 stipulates the membership of the Commission.
Section 6. Director and staff
Section 6 provides the Commission with the option of
appointing a director and other staff.
Section 7. Powers
Section 7 describes the powers of the Commission.
Section 8. Reports
Section 8 delineates the reports that the Commission must
submit to the President and Congress.
Section 9. Plan of the preservation needs of Route 66
Section 9 requires the Secretary of Transportation, along
with Governors of certain states, to prepare a plan on the
preservation needs of Route 66.
Section 10. Termination
Section 10 terminates the Commission no later than June 30,
2027.
Section 11. Clarification regarding funding
Section 11 states that no new funding is authorized to
carry out the bill. It permits any funds authorized or made
available to U.S. Department of Transportation, other than
funds out of the Highway Trust Fund, to be used to carry out
the bill.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED
H.R. 66, as amended, makes no changes in existing law.
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