US Senate passes Civil Rights Act of 1964
The US Senate passed the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 on June 19, 1964 following months of intense debate. The act mandated the end of racial segregation in businesses and public places across the US. Segregationists such as Senator Richard Russell vociferously opposed the legislation and began a filibuster in March that lasted until June. The Senate finally passed the bill with an amendment that month by a 73–27 margin. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill on July 2, 1964 the day the House passed the version as amended by the Senate. Learn more about the Civil Rights Act's journey in the US Senate.