As negotiations continue, the Republican majority in the House of Representatives has passed a last-minute funding extension that would avert a government shutdown. Meanwhile, President Obama has issued a blunt statement promising to veto the extension.  Close reading of the White House statement though reveals that Obama objects to one key policy rider attached to the extension (emphasis added): 

 The word “clean” is the Obama Administration’s code word for Republican proposals to ban taxpayer funding of abortions. Indeed, a look at the provisions of the extension bill reveals nothing objectionable except for the abortion funding ban.  Also, contrary to the White House statement, negotiations are making progress toward a final deal, and a top Democrat has said that he now sees a “glimmer of hope” that a shutdown can be avoided.