There were signs this week that congressional leaders are moving toward a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund federal programs once the new fiscal year begins on October 1.  Democrats are insisting on a “clean” CR with no policy riders and there is support from the House Appropriations Committee leadership for that approach.  The duration of a CR remains unclear, but speculation is that it will extend through late November or early December.  This week, the House voted to give Republican leadership the flexibility to “fast-track” a CR during the two days Congress will be in session next week.  This will allow the House to consider procedural guidelines for debate on the CR on the same day the bill is reported out by the House Rules Committee.  There remains a divide among congressional Republicans on the issue of de-funding Planned Parenthood and whether the CR should be used as a vehicle for that action.