On the recordFebruary 6, 2019
The National Scenic Byways Program was created in 1991 in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act--ISTEA, as it was called--and, since that time, has helped designate and provide funding for 150 scenic roads across the country. In the consolidation of Federal highways programs in MAP-21, which was enacted in 2012, funding for a separate National Scenic Byways Program was eliminated; however, the authority of the Department of Transportation to continue to designate roads was retained. Unfortunately, the Department of Transportation has not designated any new scenic byways since the dedicated program was eliminated in 2012. Madam Speaker, this legislation will ensure that there is a process once again for States, Tribes, and Federal land management agencies to request designations for roads that meet the scenic byways criteria. I thank the sponsor of this legislation, Mr. Cicilline, who has supported efforts to preserve the scenic beauty of our country's natural and man-made environments as co-chair of the Congressional America the Beautiful Caucus for introducing this legislation, and I strongly support H.R. 831 and urge my colleagues to join in passing this legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
