A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of United States Army Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and United States Army Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, who were killed in action in Palmyra, Syria, in a targeted assault against United States service members on December 13, 2025.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 957
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-10T07:29:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 957) aims to honor the memory, service, and sacrifice of two U.S. Army National Guard sergeants killed in a terrorist attack in Syria, while expressing sympathy to their families and condemning the violence.
Key Provisions
- Background Details: Describes the incident on December 13, 2025, near Palmyra, Syria, where Iowa Army National Guard members were conducting counter-terrorism operations against Islamic State remnants. A gunman affiliated with the Islamic State attacked U.S. and partner forces, killing Sergeants William Nathaniel "Nate" Howard (age 29, from Marshalltown, Iowa) and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar (age 25, from Des Moines, Iowa), both from the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment. A U.S. civilian interpreter was also killed, and three other soldiers were injured.
- Tributes to the Soldiers: Highlights Sergeant Howard's 11+ years of service and dedication, and Sergeant Torres-Tovar's selflessness and early enlistment before high school graduation in 2019.
- Resolved Actions:
- Honors the service of both sergeants to Iowa and the U.S.
- Extends sympathies and support to their families and others affected.
- Recognizes the bravery of responding National Guard and partner forces.
- Thanks U.S. and allied personnel for stopping the attacker and limiting further casualties.
- Strongly condemns the terrorist attack on U.S. service members and civilians.
- Affirms the ideals of duty and courage embodied by National Guard volunteers.
- Requests the Senate Secretary to send copies of the resolution to the families of both sergeants.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing sentiment and recognition, with no legal or regulatory effects.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Provides symbolic support to the Department of Defense and National Guard, potentially boosting morale among service members involved in counter-terrorism operations.
- On Citizens: Offers emotional recognition and condolences to the families, communities in Iowa (especially Marshalltown and Des Moines), and broader military families, fostering public appreciation for military service.
- On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. commitment to multinational counter-terrorism efforts against groups like the Islamic State, while condemning attacks on U.S. forces abroad; may indirectly strengthen alliances with partner nations in Syria operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and Communities: Primary beneficiaries through formal condolences and tributes, particularly the Howard and Torres-Tovar families, and Iowa residents connected to the National Guard.
- Military Personnel: Iowa Army National Guard members (e.g., 34th Infantry Division), active-duty forces, and U.S. allies in counter-terrorism missions, who receive recognition for their service and response.
- U.S. Government: Congress (via referral to the House Armed Services Committee) and the Senate (for transmission of the resolution), highlighting bipartisan support from Iowa representatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval; it aligns with Congress's constitutional role in overseeing military affairs (Article I, Section 8) but is purely ceremonial.
- Political: Demonstrates congressional solidarity on national security and anti-terrorism, potentially influencing public discourse on U.S. involvement in Syria. Introduced by Iowa representatives, it underscores regional pride and support for local National Guard units, with no partisan controversy evident in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-12-17: Submitted in House
- 2025-12-17: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of United States Army Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and United States Army Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, who were killed in action in Palmyra, Syria, in a targeted assault against United States service members on December 13, 2025. — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (4 pages)