H.Res. 957

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

<DOC>

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.
<all>