Senator Brian Birdwell of Granbury spoke Monday on the occasion of the annoucment of the death of Osama bin Laden. Birdwell was a U.S. Army Lt. Colonel stationed at the Pentagon when he was seriously wounded in the 9/11 attacks.

Houston Senator Dan Patrick listens to colleague Senator Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio during session.

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. of Brownsville prays with his son, State Representative Eddie Lucio III during the daily invocation that begins each Senate session.

Health and Human Services Committee Vice Chairman Bob Deuell of Greenville listens to witness testimony during a committee meeting.

Senator Steve Ogden of Bryan, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, listens during the debate on the Senate's version of the state budget.

Senators indicate votes by holding up one finger for "Aye" and two for "Nay". Senator Robert Duncan of Lubbock (left) and Mike Jackson of La Porte amiably disagree on the passage of a bill this week.

Television cameras focus on Senate Dean John Whitmire of Houston as he speaks about the Senate budget on Wednesday.

The six women that serve in the Texas Senate can form a powerful voting bloc, as they won unanimous approval of a bill to improve benefits to American service women. Pictured (L-to-R) are Senators Florence Shapiro of Plano, Jane Nelson of Flower Mound, Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio and Joan Huffman of Southside Place.

Governor Rick Perry (right) confers with Dallas Senator John Carona during Thursday's session.

San Antonio Senators Jeff Wentworth (left) and Carlos Uresti (right) discuss a bill in the Senate Chamber.