Rep. Tim Walz was among six Democrats and eight Republicans from the House of Representatives to work out differences between passed House and Senate legislation aimed at reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Walz, who served 24 years in the Army National Guard, is a member of the House Veterans Committee.

In a statement, Walz said, "My number one goal as a veteran myself and a member of this conference committee is to ensure our veterans and their families are able to get the care they need, and in a timely manner."

The differences between the House and Senate versions of the reform legislation are not great, staffers say. Lawmakers from both chambers are eager to get VA reform passed and sent to the president promptly.

ALLISON SHERRY