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
- S.Res. 572
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8893-8894; text: CR S8926)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-10T07:31:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 572) aims to honor the service and sacrifice of two Iowa Army National Guard soldiers—Sergeant William Nathaniel "Nate" Howard and Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar—who were killed in a terrorist attack in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025. It also condemns the attack and expresses support for the affected families and military personnel.
Key Provisions
- Background Context: Describes the incident where Iowa National Guard members were conducting counter-terrorism operations against Islamic State remnants near Palmyra, Syria. A lone gunman, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State, attacked U.S. and partner forces, resulting in the deaths of the two sergeants, a U.S. civilian interpreter, and injuries to three other soldiers.
- Tributes to the Soldiers:
- Sergeant Howard (age 29, from Marshalltown, Iowa) served over 11 years, showing deep commitment to his unit and mission.
- Sergeant Torres-Tovar (age 25, from Des Moines, Iowa) joined the Guard before high school graduation in 2019, known for selflessness and professionalism.
- Senate Actions:
- Honors the memory, service, and sacrifice of both sergeants.
- Extends sympathies, gratitude, and support to their families and others affected.
- Recognizes the bravery of National Guard members, partner forces, and U.S./allied personnel who responded to the attack and prevented further casualties.
- Strongly condemns the terrorist assault on U.S. service members and civilians.
- Acknowledges the duty, courage, and selfless service of National Guard volunteers and others serving in dangerous areas.
- Requests that an enrolled copy of the resolution be sent to the families of both sergeants.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a formal expression of the Senate's sentiments rather than enacting policy.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies and Military: Boosts morale among National Guard and active-duty personnel by publicly recognizing their service; may encourage continued multinational counter-terrorism efforts without altering operations.
- On Citizens: Provides emotional support and public acknowledgment to the families, friends, and communities in Iowa, helping to honor the soldiers' legacies and foster national unity in response to military losses.
- On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. condemnation of terrorism linked to groups like the Islamic State, potentially strengthening alliances with partner forces in Syria and signaling ongoing commitment to global counter-terrorism without direct diplomatic shifts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and Communities: Primarily the families of Sergeants Howard and Torres-Tovar, as well as residents of Marshalltown and Des Moines, Iowa, who receive direct tributes and official recognition.
- Military Personnel: Members of the Iowa Army National Guard (specifically the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment), other U.S. service members, and allied forces involved in the incident, who are honored for their response.
- Broader U.S. Public and Government: The resolution highlights the sacrifices of all National Guard volunteers, affecting public perception of military service and congressional support for troops.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No binding legal effects; aligns with Congress's constitutional role in providing for the common defense (Article I, Section 8) through symbolic support for the military, without infringing on executive authority over foreign operations.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity (introduced by Senators Ernst and Grassley from Iowa) in honoring fallen service members, potentially aiding recruitment and retention in the National Guard. It underscores ongoing U.S. involvement in counter-terrorism abroad, which could influence public discourse on military engagements in Syria without sparking controversy over policy changes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8893-8894; text: CR S8926)
- 2025-12-18: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-12-18: Introduced in Senate
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 2025-12-18 — PDF (4 pages)