119-HCONRES-67 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary — 119-HCONRES-67

Headline Summary: Let the remains of Sgts. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and William Nathaniel Howard lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, honoring their service and sacrifice. [2]Office of the Governor of Iowa — Gov. Reynolds orders flags flown at half-staff…

What It Does: The resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol Rotunda so the two Iowa National Guard soldiers may lie in state—allowing the public to pay respects in the nation’s Capitol. In practice, lying in state is arranged when congressional leaders approve and the Architect of the Capitol manages the logistics. [1]Architect of the Capitol — Lying in State or in Honor | Architect of the Capitol

Why It Matters: Lying in state is one of the highest public honors the country bestows. It signals national recognition of extraordinary service and gives the public a formal opportunity to mourn. [1]Architect of the Capitol — Lying in State or in Honor | Architect of the Capitol

Who’s For It:

• Introduced by Republican members of Iowa’s House delegation alongside Rep. Brian Mast, reflecting support from lawmakers who represent the soldiers’ home state and who focus on honoring military service (per the introduced text).
• Ceremonial Rotunda-use measures like this typically draw broad, often unanimous, bipartisan support; for example, the 2025 resolution authorizing President Jimmy Carter to lie in state cleared both chambers without objection. [3]Congress.gov — All Info - S.Con.Res.3 (119th): Lying in state for President Car…

Who’s Against It:

• No organized opposition identified as of December 16, 2025; such honor resolutions are rarely contested. (Process context shown for similar measures.) [3]Congress.gov — All Info - S.Con.Res.3 (119th): Lying in state for President Car…

What’s Next: Because use of the Rotunda for lying in state requires concurrent action, the measure must be considered by the House and the Senate; if adopted, congressional leaders would set the date and the Architect of the Capitol would coordinate arrangements. Similar Rotunda-use resolutions are typically referred to the House Administration Committee before floor action. [1]Architect of the Capitol — Lying in State or in Honor | Architect of the Capitol[4]Congress.gov — Text - H.Con.Res.63 (119th): Authorizing the use of the rotunda…