79–006 

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: 

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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. 

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(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. 

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(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 desVerDate Sep 11 2014 03:02 Jul 21, 2018 Jkt 079006 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR821.XXX HR821
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ignated, 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 

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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 conVerDate Sep 11 2014 03:02 Jul 21, 2018 Jkt 079006 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR821.XXX HR821
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gressional 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. 

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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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