By Washington, D.C., Staff
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to create a commission that would recommend ways to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which was commissioned in 1926 as the first all-paved U.S. highway. The “Route 66 Centennial Commission Act” (H.R. 66) creates a 19-person commission including governors of states through which the highway passed, from Illinois to California. The commission will have five years to recommend ways to celebrate the anniversary such as through writings, films and documentaries, education programs, artistic works and commemorative memorabilia.
The bipartisan H.R. 66 is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and passed by a margin of 393 to 22. The bill now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "Route 66 is a symbol of American independence and prosperity. I am proud to have America’s most iconic road run through the middle of my district and it’s important we celebrate its history," said Rep. Davis. "This bill will create a commission to honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026 and will create a plan to ensure the historic road is preserved for future generations.”
For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.