The GOP majority in the House of Representatives is projected to shrink again for the second consecutive election cycle, according to a report from the Cook Political Report.
The latest projection, released Wednesday, shows Democrats have a good chance at chipping away at the GOP’s current 23-seat advantage in the chamber. Democrats need to gain a net of 23 seats next fall to retake the majority.
The diminished GOP majority could have consequences for Congress as it tackles major issues such as government spending and health care. With a smaller GOP majority, House Republican leaders may find it more difficult to pass major legislation without support from some rank-and-file Democrats.
The decline in GOP seats could be especially troublesome for congressional Republicans as they head into a potential government shutdown showdown next fall. A government shutdown could easily become a political albatross for one or both parties heading into the 2018 midterms if they fail to reach a budget deal.
Finally, the decreased Republican majority could also make it tougher for Congress to pass fiscal policy priorities supported by President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan.
