Members of the Senate's Southern Caucus opposed civil rights legislation and vowed to fight the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the bitter end.
Mike Mansfield represented Montana in the U.S. Senate from 1953 to 1977. He served as majority leader from 1961 to 1977. [U.S. Senate Historical Office]
Thomas Kuchel represented California in the U.S. Senate from 1953 to 1959. He served as Republican whip from 1959 to 1969 and helped managed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on the floor of the Senate. [U.S. Senate Historical Office]
CBS News correspondent Roger Mudd reported daily from the steps of the Senate wing of the Capitol during the debate on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. [U.S. Senate Historical Office]
Senators Strom Thumond of South Carolina and Richard Russell of Georgia opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. [U.S. Senate Historical Office]
