NATION : Historic Status for U.S. 66 Gains

WASHINGTON —  U.S. 66, the east-west highway of desperation and “kicks” memorialized in song, literature and television, has moved closer toward recognition as part of the nation’s official heritage.

The House, on a voice vote late Monday night, passed a bill directing the National Park Service to study “America’s main street” for possible historic commemoration and preservation.

A similar measure has already cleared the Senate, which is expected to adopt the House language and send the legislation on to President Bush to be signed into law.

U.S. 66, established in 1928, was the first completely paved highway across the Western United States--running from Chicago to Santa Monica--and played a key role in the nation’s transformation to the automobile age.