New leadership will not unify US House Republicans

Significance

Boehner's successor will head a fractious caucus divided between 'establishment' Republicans and the hardliner conservatives. Congress narrowly averted a government shutdown by passing a continuing resolution (CR) on September 30 providing funding at current levels through December 11. However, President Barack Obama has stated that he will not support further short-term funding bills and has yet to negotiate a 2016 budget with congressional leaders.

Impacts

• Canada will benefit as a trading power from continued closure of the US Export-Import Bank.
• US science and research funding will likely continue to be constrained by Washington budget battles.
• A spending confrontation in December may pose the risk of another government shutdown.