LaHood Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) reintroduced the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, alongside Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3), Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Alex Padilla, (D-CA), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, expanding economic and historic development opportunities for all communities and states along its route.

"From Main Street businesses to local tourism, Route 66 continues to be an engine of economic growth in Illinois' 16th Congressional District and beyond," said Congressman LaHood. "The Mother Road connects America's heartland to the West, serving as a vital transportation artery for commerce and individuals alike. Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail will help rehabilitate and preserve this iconic highway, while supporting the economic wellbeing of communities along its route. As we prepare to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial, I am proud to join my colleagues in this effort to designate the highway as a National Historic Trail."

"From Tucumcari to Gallup, Route 66 runs through the heart of New Mexico, carrying with it the stories, cultures, and dreams of communities and travelers," said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández. "This legislation honors the legacy of the Mother Road while creating opportunities for economic development, cultural preservation, and tourism in rural and Tribal communities. From the siren song of the road, and the songs of the road (let's be honest, everyone reading this is now humming Get your kicks on Route 66,) we must preserve this history and beauty. The designation of Route 66 as a National Historic Trail will do just that."

"The National Trust for Historic Preservation has long advocated for the preservation of historic Route 66 and we enthusiastically endorse the bipartisan and bicameral legislative effort to designate Route 66 as a national historic trail ahead of the upcoming Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026," said Pam Bowman, Senior Director of Public Lands Policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Thank you to Representative LaHood for his steadfast leadership and for championing this bill-and to all the Senators and Representatives from across the eight Route 66 states for their dedication to the preservation of the corridor. Route 66 is an iconic symbol representing America's love of the open road with a rich history associated with Dustbowl migration, World War II, music, literature, television, movies, and popular lore, and we look forward to Congress approving this designation and celebrating this important route."

"As Route 66 approaches its centennial, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership can think of no better birthday present for the road than to make it a National Historic Trail," said Road Ahead Partnership Chair Bill Thomas. "We commend the efforts of Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman Leger Fernández in introducing legislation to accomplish this designation."

Background:

Route 66 was established in 1926 and spans roughly 2,400 miles across eight states, beginning in Chicago and ultimately ending in Santa Monica, California. In Illinois' 16th Congressional District, the historic highway crosses through Grundy, Livingston, and McLean County.

The full text of the bill can be read HERE.

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Permalink: https://lahood.house.gov/2025/9/lahood-reintroduces-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-designate-route-66-as-a-national-historic-trail