Passage of H.R. 7152
On June 19, 1964, nine days after the cloture vote, the Senate passed the civil rights bill by a vote of 73-27. It was Everett Dirksen and Mike Mansfield who phoned President Johnson to tell him that the Senate had passed the bill and was ready to adjourn the session.
Mss 065, Photo Number: 99.1714
Copy of Mansfield's thank-you letter sent to Senator Dirksen, June 22, 1964. Mss 065, Series XVIII, Box 32/3
After the Senate passed H.R. 7152, Mansfield wrote to all 99 of his Senate colleagues, regardless of how they voted, thanking them for their cooperation, understanding, and kindness.
"The character of the Senate's handling of this issue, I believe, will mean a great deal to the nation. I know that it meant a great deal to me personally. Members, regardless of views on the substance of the measure, treated me with the utmost kindness and consideration, and I am deeply appreciative."
Senator Everett Dirksen’s response to Mansfield’s letter, June 24, 1964. Mss 065, Series XVIII, Box 12/13
Many senators responded to Mansfield's letter, including Dirksen. He wrote:
"I don't know what we would have done about the civil rights struggle, if it had not been for your humility, your understanding, your self-effacement, and your appreciation of every problem as it arose..."