Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Congressional fights over plans to cut tens of thousands of VA staffers hinge on lawmakers' views on just how dysfunctional the department is.
Democratic lawmakers vow to block bills, slow nominations and hold their own hearings to protest planned cuts to veterans programs.
The move comes as VA Secretary Doug Collins has accused Democrats of creating panic over planned department reforms.
