Sens. Cruz, Padilla, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced a bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail.

Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926, and was one of the original highways in the United States Numbered Highway System. This bill protects its history and legacy, and ensures that new and existing energy projects along Route 66 are protected.

Sen. Cruz said, "Texas is proud to be home to part of the iconic Route 66, and I am honored to lead the effort in designating this highway as a historic trail. This bill is long-overdue and will enshrine Route 66's status as a National Historic Trail. I urge my colleagues to expeditiously advance this bill and send it to the President."

Sen. Padilla said, "Generations of Americans have driven the 2,400 mile road from Illinois to California along Route 66, weaving through the Mojave Desert on their way to the iconic End of the Trail sign at the Santa Monica Pier. This overdue bipartisan effort would solidify Route 66's place as a National Historic Trail, preserving the integrity of the trail and honoring its legacy as the Mother Road for American automobiles."

Sen. Schmitt said, "Route 66 is a vital and historic highway that connects the heartland of America to the West, creating jobs and economic opportunities in communities across Missouri. Designating this iconic roadway as a National Historic Trail will provide the resources needed to ensure this historic route is preserved and protected for future generations to travel and enjoy."

Sen. Kelly said, "From Flagstaff to Kingman-and don't forget Winona-Route 66 is a vital piece of Arizona history and an economic engine for our rural communities and tourism economy. By working across the aisle, we're recognizing and preserved this roadway for generations to come."

Sen. Duckworth said, "Route 66 is one of the most iconic highways in America and has played a tremendous role in our history and culture-connecting our country through travel, commerce and so much more. Route 66 is an integral part of Illinois's-and our nation's-story, and I'm proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation to help protect and commemorate this historic route for future generations."

Companion legislation is being led in the House by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.).

Rep. LaHood said, "From Main Street businesses to local tourism, Route 66 continues to be an engine of economic growth in Illinois' 16th Congressional District and beyond. 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."

Read the bill text here.