[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 957 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 957

 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.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           December 17, 2025

  Mr. Nunn of Iowa (for himself, Mrs. Hinson, Mr. Feenstra, and Mrs. 
Miller-Meeks) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                    the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 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.

Whereas, on the morning of December 13, 2025, members of the Iowa Army National 
        Guard were conducting a counter-terrorism engagement near Palmyra, 
        Syria, as part of ongoing multinational efforts to degrade Islamic State 
        remnants;
Whereas, during this engagement, a lone gunman believed to be affiliated with 
        the Islamic State opened fire on United States and partner forces in a 
        deliberate assault;
Whereas, as a result of this attack, United States Army Sergeant William 
        Nathaniel ``Nate'' Howard, age 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and United 
        States Army Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, age 25, of Des Moines, 
        Iowa, both assigned to the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd 
        Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa Army National 
        Guard, were killed in action;
Whereas a United States civilian interpreter also lost their life in this 
        attack, and 3 other Iowa National Guard soldiers sustained injuries;
Whereas Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres-Tovar were dedicated soldiers who 
        served with distinction in defense of the United States and in the 
        global campaign against terrorism;
Whereas Sergeant Howard served over 11 years in the Iowa Army National Guard and 
        had a deep commitment to his fellow soldiers and his mission, 
        representing the very best of Iowa and the United States;
Whereas Sergeant Torres-Tovar was beloved by his community and fellow National 
        Guardsmen for his selflessness, professionalism, and commitment to 
        service, and he joined the Iowa Army National Guard before his high 
        school graduation ceremony in 2019; and
Whereas the families, friends, and communities of Sergeant Howard and Sergeant 
        Torres-Tovar have endured an immeasurable loss and continue to honor the 
        memory of their loved ones: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) honors the memory, service, and sacrifice of United 
        States Army Sergeant William Nathaniel ``Nate'' Howard for his 
        dedicated service to his State and to his country as a member 
        of the Iowa Army National Guard;
            (2) honors the memory, service, and sacrifice of United 
        States Army Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar for his dedicated 
        service to his State and to his country as a member of the Iowa 
        Army National Guard;
            (3) extends its sympathies, gratitude, and support to the 
        families of Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres-Tovar, and to 
        all others affected by this attack;
            (4) honors the bravery and professionalism of the National 
        Guard members and partner forces who responded under fire and 
        cared for the wounded;
            (5) expresses profound gratitude for the swift actions of 
        the United States and allied personnel on the scene who engaged 
        the attacker and prevented further loss of life;
            (6) condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist 
        assault targeting United States service members and civilians;
            (7) recognizes that the members of the National Guard and 
        all volunteers who serve in harm's way on behalf of the United 
        States embody the highest ideals of duty, courage, and selfless 
        service; and
            (8) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
        transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to--
                    (A) the family of Sergeant Howard; and
                    (B) the family of Sergeant Torres-Tovar.
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