[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]