Speech #1010232914

Mr. Smathers and I discussed this for the REcoaD one evening here on the Senate floor. I believe I made it clear at that time that I do not believe title VII would result in imposition of a quota system. Further. I believe that a quota system of hiring would be a terrible mistake not only from the viewpoint of the employer. but from the viewpoint of the employee. From the viewpoint of the minority. as well as the majority. Basically. I believe that the color of a mans skin or the faith to which he adheres should be completely extraneous considerations when an employer hires. or labor union admits to membership. just as it should be estraneous in granting the right to vote and assigning him to a school. But the argument has been made. and I am. that employers are also concerned with the argument. I have. therefore. prepared an amendment which I believe makes it clear that no quota system will be imposed if title VII becomes law. Very briefly it provides that no finding on unlawful employment practices may be made solely on the basis of racial imbalance. That provision is not only in existing law of title 703(j). but is again written out in boxcar letters in the civil rights bill of 1990. My point is this. over and over again. the argument is made that this is a quota bill. That is the only defense that the President has put forward against signing this legislation. That is the only defense that those who proclaim to be great saviors of liberty and justice for all people have put forward as a reason for voting against the civil rights bill.