Amid signs of a collapse on talks to fix the VA health care system, Speaker John A. Boehner said he remains “hopeful” that both chambers can compromise on legislation before the August recess, but blamed a late administration VA funding request for tripping up the talks.

“Well, I thought we were making great progress, and frankly, I’m still hopeful that we can get this resolved,” Boehner said Thursday. “But the White House rolls in with a request … not very clearly outlined, no hearings, no nothing and expects us to just add it to this conference report. We’re not going to do that.”