A native of Beaumont, Texas, and a World War II veteran, Jack Brooks served for forty-two years in the U.S. Congress, representing Texas's 9th district. One of the most influential congressmen nobody ever heard of, Brooks is finally getting his due in this new biography, the first ever written about his life. The Meanest Man in Congress: Jack Brooks and the Making of an American Century chronicles in fascinating detail not only the career of a remarkable lawmaker, which spanned the tenures of ten U.S. presidents, but also the epic sweep of American history in the latter half of the 20th century, from the Kennedy assassination to the Iran-Contra affair.

Packed with anecdotes about the irascible Brooks based on his personal correspondence, interviews with his peers and family members, and more, this meticulous biography traces the incredible life and times of a true public servant, a man who applied his tenacious will to practical, across-the-aisle governance for the good of his constituents and his country. At a time when Brooks's brand of selfless service is in short supply and American politics has become a zero-sum game, distinguished authors Timothy McNulty and Brendan McNulty bring into high relief the character of a man who knew how to compromise and bargain, negotiate and cooperate to get things done.

Timothy McNulty's long career in journalism includes stints as a national, foreign and White House correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. He later became the newspaper's associate managing editor and public editor. Before retiring, he taught at the University of Chicago and at Northwestern University's Medill School, where he co-directed the National Security Journalism Initiative. He holds degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He currently lives in Durham, N.C.

A native of Beaumont, Texas, and a World War II veteran, Jack Brooks represented Texas's Ninth District for forty-two years in the U.S. Congress. One of the most influential congressmen you've never heard of, the irascible Brooks is finally getting his due in this first full biography. The Meanest Man in Congress chronicles in fascinating detail not only a remarkable lawmaker's career-spanning the tenures of ten U.S. presidents-but also the epic sweep of American history in the latter half of the twentieth century, from the Kennedy assassination to the Iran-Contra affair. Packed with anecdotes based on Brooks's personal correspondence, interviews with his peers and family members, and more, this meticulously researched biography traces the incredible life and times of a true public servant, a man who applied his tenacious will to practical, across-the-aisle governance for the good of his constituents and his country. At a time when Brooks's brand of selfless service is in short supply and American politics has become a zero-sum game, distinguished authors Timothy McNulty and Brendan McNulty bring into high relief the character of a man who knew how to compromise and bargain, negotiate and cooperate to get things done.

Contents
Preface / ix
Introduction / 3
Part I-Jack Brooks for Congress! / 10
1 Dallas 1963 / 11
2 The Early Years / 41
3 War! / 60
4 Legislature and Lamar / 97
5 First Race for Congress / 112
6 First Term / 128
7 The Late 1950s / 147
8 Rising Texas Tide / 162
Part II-The Art of the Possible / 185
9 Legislation: 1961-1965 / 186
10 Power in the Presidency / 197
11 Legislation: 1965-1968 / 212
12 All the Way with LBJ / 226
13 Legislation: 1969-1972 / 239
14 Congressional Operations / 248
15 Waste / 259
16 Procurement / 268
17 Family Life / 278
Part III-The Meanest Man in Congress / 283
18 'The Executioner' / 284
19 'Snake Killer' / 326
20 Iran-Contra / 360
21 Reaganomics and Runaway Spending / 387
22 Mindless Cannibalism / 412
23 House Judiciary / 434
24 Crime Bill / 445
25 1994 Election / 475
26 Epilogue / 489
Acknowledgements / 503
Appendices / 506
Key Accomplishments / 507
About the Authors / 509
Index of Persons / 510
References / 527
Brooks on the Presidents / 560