Historic felt tip pen used by President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the ‘Act to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes' (H. R. 2580). The official 'bill signer' Eversharp pen measures 5.25″ long and features a navy blue plastic barrel bearing a gold facsimile signature with presidential seal and a silver-tone cap section. Includes the original presentation box with presidential seal and facsimile signature of President Johnson, as well as a typed caption affirming that the pen was “used by the President, October 3, 1965, in signing H. R. 2580.” In fine condition. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, abolished the quota system based on national origins that had been American immigration policy since the 1920s. The 1965 Act marked a change from past US policy which had discriminated against non-northern Europeans. In removing racial and national barriers the Act would significantly alter the demographic mix in America.
Accompanied by an official White House photo of President and Lady Bird Johnson meeting with Washington Congressman Lloyd Meeds and his wife, Barbara, affixed to the original 11 x 12.5 mount, which has been secretarially signed and inscribed. The pen is also accompanied by a letter of provenance from the daughter of Meeds, which reads: “My Father, Lloyd Meeds, was elected to the U.S. Congress in November of 1964, and represented the 2nd District of Washington State for 7 terms. While in Congress, he served on the House Rules Committee, the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, and the House Committee on Education and Labor. He was concerned about Native American rights, education and preserving National land. The Snow Lake Trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area was dedicated to him in 2007. [The referenced] picture was taken at the White House in 1965, during his first year in Congress.” Also includes an official presidential invitation to the White House for March 9, 1965, in its original White House envelope addressed to "Hon. and Mrs. Lloyd Meeds, House of Representatives."
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