2.10.1964

Civil Rights Act passes in the House.  Dingell votes for the bill, which passes 290-130. (http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/39.htm)

7.10.1964

President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act.  As a leading advocate of the bill, Dingell attends the signing ceremony in the Rose Garden.  (http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/39.htm)

8.7.1964

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passes the House.  The Resolution passes unanimously. 

9.2.1964

John Dingell beats Lesinski in Democratic Primary.  Dingell beat Congressman John Lesinski with 54.5% of the vote.  There is national interest in the race because of the potential of a "white backlash"due to Dingell's support of the Civil Rights Act.  It does not materialize.  Lesinski was the only Northern Democrat to vote against the Civil Rights Act.  The two were forced into a primary against one another due to redistricting.  (West Side Courier, 9.3.64)

9.3.1964

President Johnson signs the National Wilderness Act into law.  Dingell is a key player in the effort.  The bill creates the National Wilderness Preservation System and protects 9 million acres of wilderness. 

40 years later, Dingell will introduce a resolution celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Act.  The resolution notes that the system had grown to 106 million acres of protected land in 44 of the 50 states. 

Then-Michigan Congressman Gerald Ford states that the National Wilderness Preservation System "serves a basic need of all Americans, even those who may never visit a wilderness area – the preservation of a vital element of our natural heritage"and that "wilderness preservation ensures that a central facet of our Nation can still be realized, not just remembered."(H. Res. 746, 7.22.04)

"John Dingell is one of the great heroes of wilderness preservation," said Doug Scott, policy director of the Campaign for America's Wilderness.  (http://www.ems.org/nws/2004/07/26/wilderness_champ) 

11.2.1964

Dingell is elected to his 6th term, defeating Raymond B. Leonard with 73% of the vote.  Vote results:112,763 – 40,673.  Dingell will now represent the new 16th District of Michigan.

Johnson defeats Goldwater in the Presidential election.