Davis, LaHood bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail passes House

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis says the House this week passed a bill he introduced to preserve the history of U.S. Route 66.

The House unaimously passed one of two bills pushed by Davis and U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, another Illinois Republican.

H.R. 801, the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail.

Davis and LaHood have also introduced H.R. 66, which would establish a commission to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

“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 Davis. “No matter where you live in the country, we can all relate to the freedom and independence Route 66 represents. As we approach its 100th anniversary in 2026, I have been working with Rep. LaHood to ensure Route 66 gets the historic designation it deserves. The bill we passed today will formally designate the route as a National Historic Trail to provide the economic development necessary to preserve its history for future generations.”

“For nearly a century, Route 66 has been a crucial transportation artery for the heartland of America. Towns across the nation and throughout my district have seen the Mother Road bring tourism, employment, a higher quality of life, and civic pride to their communities,” said LaHood. “We appreciate the support of this legislation because it will allow visitors from around the world to experience the history of Route 66 while our local businesses and tourism industry receive the economic benefits.”