[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.

                                  [all]