AUSTIN – Texas state Sen. Brian Birdwell was nominated to a leadership position in the Department of Defense Wednesday.
The White House announced Birdwell’s appointment as an assistant secretary of defense. It would be a return to the Pentagon for the six-term senator, who has been a leader in immigration legislation in Texas.
Birdwell, R-Granbury, is a survivor of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon. He suffered burns over 60% of his body and has undergone dozens of surgeries related to injuries he suffered in the attack.
At the Capitol in Austin, Birdwell has been known as a detail-oriented senator under the leadership of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. In 2023, he was the Senate’s leader in creating a rule framework for the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton. Birdwell has also authored numerous bills designed to strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws.
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Birdwell, 63, is a retired lieutenant colonel from the Army who brought his military sensibilities to the chamber. He announced his retirement from the Senate earlier this year. Patrick, the leader of the Senate, cheered Birdwell’s nomination after it was announced early Wednesday.
“America is in great hands with my friend in this key position. A soldier at heart, I know he will give his all and serve our country honorably in his next mission as Assistant Secretary of Defense,” Patrick said on X.
Birdwell’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It is unclear what Birdwell’s role will be at the Department of Defense. He is replacing Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Christopher Joseph Lowman, an appointee of former President Joe Biden. Birdwell’s appointment must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.