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Brian Birdwell

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Brian Birdwell
Birdwell in 2019
Member of the Texas Senate
from the 22nd district
Incumbent
Assumed office
July 2, 2010
Preceded byKip Averitt
President pro tempore of the Texas Senate
In office
January 12, 2021 – May 31, 2021
Preceded byJoan Huffman
Succeeded byDonna Campbell
Personal details
Born (1961-11-03) November 3, 1961 (age 63)
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Children1
EducationLamar University (BS)
University of Missouri, Kansas City (MPA)
WebsiteCampaign website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1984–2001
RankLieutenant Colonel
AwardsPurple Heart
Legion of Merit

Brian Douglas Birdwell[1] (born November 3, 1961)[2] is an American politician who has served in the Texas Senate for District 22 since 2010. He is a survivor of the September 11, 2001 attacks against The Pentagon.

Early life and education

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Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Birdwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology from Lamar University in 1984 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1996.[3]

Career

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On September 11, 2001, Birdwell was working with the United States Army at The Pentagon. He was just leaving a restroom when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. Birdwell was badly burned by the ensuing fire.[4] Two days after being injured, Birdwell met President George W. Bush.[5][6] Rob Maness, a United States Air Force officer who rescued Birdwell, learned about Birdwell's identity only when they met at the 2016 Republican National Convention.[7]

He holds a Purple Heart and a Legion of Merit.[8]

Elections

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He defeated David Sibley in a June 22, 2010 special election, replacing Kip Averitt.[9]

Birdwell won the 2010 general election unopposed.[10]

Legislation sponsored

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In February 2017, Birdwell sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 2, which calls for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution. The resolution "seeks amendments that place restraints on the federal budget and check power and enact term limits for U.S. officials."[11] Senate Joint Resolution 2 was passed by both chambers of the Texas Legislature. In May 2017, Birdwell sponsored a bill outlining the duties and limits of Texas delegates should a convention of states occur. It was approved by the Texas House and sent to Texas Governor Greg Abbott.[12]

Personal life

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He has one son, Matthew,[13] with his wife, Mel.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Ramsey, Ross (July 28, 2010). "One Man, Two Votes". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  2. ^ "Brian Birdwell personal profile". texastribune.org. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  3. ^ "The Texas State Senate – Senator Brian Birdwell: District 22". senate.texas.gov. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  4. ^ "'The impact should have killed me': Texas senator recalls 9/11 Pentagon attack". Spectrum News. September 11, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  5. ^ "Birdwell saluted". snopes.com. December 27, 2001. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  6. ^ Post, Colby Itkowitz, The Washington (July 28, 2016). "Senator Brian Birdwell Finally Gets Chance to Thank Man who Helped Him on 9/11". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved April 22, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Mark Ballard (July 24, 2016). "U.S. Senate candidate Rob Maness meets Texas senator he helped save on 9-11 when both were soldiers". The Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
  8. ^ a b "Brian Birdwell". brianbirdwell.net. Archived from the original on October 20, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  9. ^ "Gulf War vet Brian Birdwell wins runoff for Central Texas state Senate seat". Dallas Morning News, June 23, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  10. ^ "Christy Hoppe, Brian Birdwell Stays on the Ballot, August 19, 2010". Dallas Morning News. August 22, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  11. ^ Pollock, Cassandra (February 28, 2017). "Texas Senate approves convention of states legislation". Texas Tribune. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  12. ^ Pollock, Cassandra (May 27, 2017). "Convention of states-related bill hits Gov. Greg Abbott's desk". Texas Tribune. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
  13. ^ Hastings, Paul. "9/11 Survivor at the Pentagon". Compelled Podcast. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
Texas Senate
Preceded by Member of the Texas Senate
from the 22nd district
2010–present 		Incumbent
Preceded by President pro tempore of the Texas Senate
2021 		Succeeded by
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