Napolitano’s Route 66 Centennial Commission Act Passes House
(WASHINGTON, DC) Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 66, the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, a bill coauthored by Reps. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32) and Rodney Davis (R-IL-13).
"The City of Duarte celebrates Route 66 every year in September with a parade of classic cars, equestrian groups, and marching bands," Napolitano said. "The theme of the LA County Fair this year is Route 66 with memorabilia and Route 66-themed movie nights. San Gabriel Valley cities and those in the seven other states connected by the Mother Road are reinvesting in Route 66. The federal government should be involved in this effort as well. Route 66 is a significant part of America's past, and it continues to provide transportation, economic, and community benefits to our region and society today. We must revitalize and preserve this historic road, which is an icon of American history and culture."
H.R. 66 creates a Commission to recommend improvements and activities to commemorate the 100thanniversary of Route 66 in 2026 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. It is the second of two bipartisan bills on the topic coauthored by Napolitano to pass the House this year. H.R. 801, the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, is already awaiting consideration by the Senate.
Route 66 is an integral part of the San Gabriel Valley's culture and economy and runs through the cities of La Verne, San Dimas, Glendora, Azusa, Duarte, and Monrovia, known in most of Napolitano's district as Foothill Boulevard and Huntington Drive.
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