Lyndon Johnson Legislative record as President
July 2, 1964
Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion or sex, in public accommodations such as hotels, theaters, parks, restaurants and other public places.
The act also authorizes the withdrawal of Federal funds from programs that practice discrimination. It discourages job discrimination through the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
It also authorizes the attorney general to bring lawsuits against schools practicing segregation. It makes the Commission on Civil Rights a permanent organization.
August 20, 1964
Johnson signs the Economic Opportunity Act in a step toward fighting the “War on Poverty.” August 31, 1964
Johnson signs the Food Stamp Act, establishing the Federal food stamp program to help poor families improve their diet.
September 3, 1964
Johnson signs the Wilderness Act, which preserves 9,200,000 acres as a Federal wilderness system. March 15, 1965
Johnson delivers “The American Promise” speech (Voting Rights Message) before Congress, asking for a bill insuring the right of all Americans to vote. April 11, 1965
Johnson signs the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in front of Junction School, the school he attended in 1912. The act authorizes federal aid to school districts with low income families. May 18, 1965
Project Head Start is launched. Mrs. Johnson serves as honorary chair of the program designed to give underprivileged children a “head start” before beginning first grade. July 30, 1965
Johnson signs the Social Security Amendments of 1965 in a ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Library. The amendments establish Medicare and Medicaid, health insurance programs for the elderly and low income individuals and families.
August 6, 1965
Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act, which empowers the Federal government to oversee voter registration and elections, outlaws discriminatory literacy tests and expands voting rights for non-English speaking Americans. September 9, 1965
LBJ signs the act establishing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and appoints Robert Weaver as the first secretary of HUD. Weaver is the first African American appointed to the Cabinet.
October 2, 1965
Johnson signs the Water Quality Act, preventing water pollution by requiring states to establish and enforce water quality standards for interstate waterways.
October 3, 1965
Johnson signs the Immigration Act in front of the Statue of Liberty. This act repeals the restrictive national origins quota system which originated in 1921.
October 22, 1965
Johnson signs the Highway Beautification Act. The act helps states control billboards and junkyards and encourages scenic and roadside development along major highways.
November 8, 1965
Johnson signs the Higher Education Act, which increases Federal money given to universities, creates scholarships and low-interest student loans and establishes a National Teacher Corps. July 4, 1966
Johnson signs the Freedom of Information Act.
October 16, 1966
Johnson signs the act establishing the Department of Transportation and appoints Alan Boyd as its first secretary. November 7, 1967
Johnson signs the Public Broadcasting Act establishing the nonprofit and nongovernmental Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting provides financial assistance for noncommercial educational television and radio broadcasting.
November 20, 1967
Johnson signs the act creating the National Product Safety Commission.
November 21, 1967
Johnson signs the Air Quality Act to strengthen federal powers to combat air pollution. April 11, 1968
Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which includes provisions for fair housing.
June 19, 1968 Johnson signs the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, providing assistance to the states to help upgrade local and state law enforcement methods.
July 1, 1968
Johnson signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty with 58 other countries in efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
October 2, 1968
Johnson signs the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, establishing a national rivers system to protect and preserve many wild, scenic and recreational rivers.
At the same time, President Johnson signs the National Trails System Act, creating a nationwide system of scenic and recreational trails.
October 22, 1968
Johnson signs the Gun Control Act of 1968, regulating the firearm industry and owners.
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