hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Renames two Iowa VA clinics after fallen service members.
Sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R, IA).
In committee, no Senate vote yet.
This bill proposes renaming the VA clinic in Des Moines, Iowa, to the "Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic" and the VA outpatient clinic in Marshalltown, Iowa, to the "Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic." Both Staff Sergeants were Iowa National Guard members killed in action in Syria in December 2025. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa and a combat veteran, introduced the bill, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs for consideration.
Introduced Feb 11, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 11, 2026, by Senator Joni Ernst and immediately sent to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. It is currently awaiting review and a potential vote within that committee. For this bill to become law, it must pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and then be signed by the President. There are no scheduled votes yet.
If this bill becomes law, the physical buildings and official records for the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Des Moines and the community-based outpatient clinic in Marshalltown, Iowa, would officially change their names. The Des Moines clinic would become the 'Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic,' and the Marshalltown clinic would become the 'Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic.' This would lead to new signage and updated government records, serving as a permanent tribute to these individuals and their service to the nation.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe renaming VA facilities after fallen service members is a fitting way to honor their sacrifice and contributions.
Critics Say
There is typically no organized opposition to bills that honor fallen service members by renaming public facilities.
Bills like this, which honor military personnel by renaming public facilities, generally receive broad bipartisan support. Proponents emphasize the importance of memorializing those who made the ultimate sacrifice and ensuring their service is remembered by future generations. It is highly unlikely that this bill would face significant criticism or opposition, as such gestures are widely seen as appropriate acts of recognition and respect.