Senator Troy Fraser of Horseshoe Bay welcomes World War 2 veteran Otto Scharth to the Senate on the occasion of his 88th birthday.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen chats with Flower Mound Senator Jane Nelson at a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee.

Dallas Senator Royce West (far left) poses with the Junior College Division 3 national men's basketball champion team from Mountain View College as the Senate honored them for their accomplishment.

Senator Kel Seliger of Amarillo looks over a proposed amendment.

El Paso Senator Jose Rodriguez considers an amendment during the Senate debate on the new state Senate redistricting map approved this week.

Senator Robert Nichols (left) of Jacksonville discusses the proposed Senate redistricting map with colleague Senator Glenn Hegar of Katy.

Senate Dean John Whitmire of Houston peruses proposed legislation on the Senate rostrum.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst delivers a statement regarding the Comptroller's revised budget estimate at a press conference.

Senator Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio waits to speak on a bill during session.

Tyler Senator Kevin Eltife presides over the Senate from the rostrum.

Senator Wendy Davis of Fort Worth listens to Houston Senator John Whitmire during session this week.

Country music star Mickey Gilley waves to the Senate as the body honors his storied career.

Senator Florence Shapiro of Plano chats with a group of reporters about budget negotiations during a Senate recess.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio smiles as she moves passage of a bill this week.