88th Congress (1963 - 1965)

House of Representatives

House Majority: Democrat

House Majority Seats: 258 out of 435

House Speaker: Rep. John W. McCormack (D-MA)

Senate

Senate Majority: Democrat

Senate Majority Seats: 66 out of 100

Senate Majority Leader: Sen. Mike Mansfield (D-MT)

Executive

President: John F. Kennedy (D-MA) / Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX)

Vice President: Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX) / (None)

portrait

Member Spotlight

Featured: Senator Claire Engle (D-CA) was a dedicated public servant whose final act in the Senate became one of the most powerful moments in congressional history. Born in 1911, Engle represented California first in the House and later in the Senate, where he was known for his commitment to infrastructure, natural resource development, and civil rights. In 1964, gravely ill from a brain tumor and unable to speak, Engle attended the historic vote on the Civil Rights Act and silently pointed to his eye to signify “aye,” helping to end the filibuster and secure passage of the landmark legislation. He passed away just weeks later, leaving behind a legacy of courage and conviction in the face of great personal struggle.

Enactments