The U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved H.R. 5158, which would direct the Secretary of Transportation to reopen the nomination process for National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads.

The bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and Ted Poe (R-Texas), was revised through an amendment offered by U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-Mo.).

Created by Congress in 1991, the program now has 150 designated roads. The Scenic Byways Program thrived for almost 20 years before being suspended by efforts to streamline the Department of Transportation. Currently, there are at least 44 candidates for designation.

H.R. 5158 moved to the House floor for further action.