North Texas Senator Brian Birdwell Nominated for Key Pentagon Role
WASHINGTON – Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell of Granbury has been nominated by the White House to serve as an Assistant Secretary of Defense, according to a white House announcement Monday. The nomination comes as Birdwell prepares to conclude his 15-year tenure in the Texas Senate, having previously announced he would not seek reelection.
This appointment places a veteran legislator and decorated Army veteran in a critical national security position. Birdwell’s confirmation would see him replacing Christopher Joseph Lowman at the Department of Defense. The nomination now awaits approval by the U.S. Senate, where his extensive experience in border security, natural resources, and state affairs will likely be closely examined.
Birdwell currently chairs the Texas Senate Committees on Border Security and Natural Resources, and also serves on the Committees on Nominations; State affairs; and Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs. His legislative work has focused considerably on issues impacting Texas, but the Assistant Secretary of Defense role will broaden his scope to national defense policy.
Prior to his career in Texas politics, Birdwell served in the Army and was stationed at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. He sustained burns to approximately 60 percent of his body during the terrorist attacks, a story he shared in a 2019 interview with FOX 4. His personal experience and military background are expected to inform his approach to national security challenges.
The White House nomination was sent to the Senate on Monday and awaits consideration. Birdwell’s confirmation process will likely involve scrutiny of his qualifications and policy positions by members of the Senate armed services Committee.
Source: Facts for this article was obtained from the White House and previous reporting by FOX 4.
