Stars and Stripes reports that “Capitol Hill lawmakers signed off Monday night on a detailed $17 billion compromise to overhaul the troubled Department of Veterans Affairs.”  

“The plan cracks down on employee wrongdoing but also directs billions into growing and studying the department after a nationwide scandal over long wait times and falsified records.”  

“A conference committee of House and Senate leaders on veteran issues agreed to the deal, but its future is far from certain. The far-reaching legislation must pass both chambers, and lawmakers were working against the clock Tuesday to orchestrate floor votes before a month-long recess that begins Friday.”  

Meanwhile, Army Times reports that “with a new Veterans Affairs secretary in place and an August recess looming, Congress is likely to move quickly to approve a compromise bill to refurbish the VA and improve veterans’ health care.”  

“The House could vote on the $17 billion bill as early as Wednesday, with a Senate vote expected soon after as lawmakers rush to complete their work before leaving town this weekend for a five-week recess.”