As of noon Tuesday, Mo Brooks was retired from the U.S. House of Representatives. He is now focusing on family and enjoying life at the lake in Guntersville. But after representing Alabama's fifth congressional district for five terms, he will likely stay aware of what's going on in Washington, D.C.
So, Tuesday, instead of being in Washington for the Speaker of the House vote, Brooks was at the lake building a bunk room for his grandchildren.
"I'm doing great, and we have more grandkids than we have space," Brooks told 1819 News. "And here, you actually get stuff constructive done. All we do in Washington is damage."
Brooks blamed that damage on corruption and said it is easy to follow the money to see the influence of special interests.
"I'm doing better than the people in Washington," Brooks added. "[I]f enough Congressmen will agree to rules that change the current, corrupt process, then, you'll have a Speaker."
Brooks explained that he has witnessed how "unholy alliances" between people in Washington and those special interests have controlled American border security, the national debt and more issues for years. He didn't name any specific special interest groups.
"That's the root cause of all of this," he said. "You can brainwash a lot of voters if you have a lot of money."
While he will continue to stay informed on the actions of Congress, Brooks said he fears only economic collapse will lead to change.
Brooks retired from a political career spanning four decades after losing his bid for the U.S. Senate to U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery).
"It's a wonderful life," said Brooks. "I feel really bad for my country, but Alabama voters made their decision … So, we will just see how it plays out."
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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