Here’s the pitch: Scalise, House GOP whip, can play hardball

WASHINGTON (AP) — House GOP Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) is facing a test of his vote-wrangling skills as the chamber votes on the Republican budget proposal.

The vote, expected Wednesday, will showcase whether the Louisiana Republican and his team of vote-counters have figured out how to muscle controversial legislation past GOP rebels who have forced vote cancellations before. Either way, the GOP-controlled Senate has its own budget and the two versions would have to be reconciled.

Republicans are rushing to show the nation they can govern before 2016, the next time Americans choose a president and members of Congress. But again and again, over immigration, homeland security funding and more, infighting has defined the first few months of GOP congressional control more than any achievements.