The Complete the Mission Act serves as a focal point of debate over the size of VA and availability of community care for veteran patients.
Advocates say the surprise increase in lawmakers with military backgrounds is a positve sign for the veteran community.
Bipartisan legislation passed by the House would improve at-home care options for ailing vets and mandate protections for community care programs.
Congress approved $3 billion in emergency VA funding in September, but officials now say they did not need the money to cover immediate bills.
