Quote – Strom Thurmond (D-SC)

This bill, by vesting the power to withhold or terminate Federal funds, creates a concentration of power of economic coercion unequaled in the history of governments—a power concentration which defies the experience of mankind with the temptation of power to corrupt.

Thurmond would switch his party affiliation to Republican three months later due to Democratic support for the Civil Rights Act. Senate Discussion of 1964 Civil Rights Act, taken from the Congressional Record (pgs 14310-14319).

Thursday, June 18, 1964
Culprits: 
Issues: