House, Senate talks over VA fix in chaos as recess looms

A massive and costly package meant to address the litany of problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs was getting caught in the congressional grinder Thursday, as House and Senate lawmakers clashed over how to iron out differences in their competing bills.

Tempers flared as House Republicans went in one direction, and the chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee went in another. With the August recess looming, it remains unclear whether the two chambers will be able to pass a bill before the break.