Lose Your House GOP Majority? Get Ready for a Shutdown Showdown!

The Republicans are set to lose their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives yet again, heading into a possible government shutdown showdown this winter. Democrats have consistently held the upper hand in forecasting models for the upcoming November elections, with FiveThirtyEight giving them an 84.9 percent chance of gaining a majority. Now, with President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell closing in on a government funding agreement and the current majority looking increasingly vulnerable, the chances of another Democratic wave are looking more likely than ever. If Democrats reach the majority mark, it could set the stage for a politically charged government shutdown showdown in December when the current government funding agreement expires. A Democrat-controlled House can block any appropriations bills that it finds are not in line with the party’s priorities. For Republican leadership, the news of the likely majority losses couldn’t come at a worse time. With the government set to shut down in the absence of a budget agreement, the GOP will have to make compromises with Democrats to pass the budget. This makes it easier for Democrats to leverage their position in exchange for concessions on issues such as the wall along the southern U.S. border. The deficit could also rise this December if the Democrats take the House, as well. Republicans control both the House and Senate, and as a result all significant spending must be negotiated between both chambers. A Democrat-led House is likely to push for increased spending for areas such as infrastructure, education, and health care. Such a request could run into serious opposition in the Senate, paving the way for a potential government shutdown if both sides cannot reach a compromise. Overall, the chances of Democrats flipping the House are growing as the midterms approach. If the prediction holds, it could spell trouble for Republicans in December when it comes time to negotiate on government spending and other key issues, setting the stage for another potential government shutdown showdown.