The procedural move that could shorten — but not stop — a shutdown

All signs are still pointing to a government shutdown heading into this week — but Republican moderates might team up with Democrats to keep it brief.

That’s because House lawmakers may be able to bring a government funding bill to the floor using a discharge petition that Democrats originally set up as an insurance policy during this year’s debt ceiling showdown.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y. has already warned he’d join Democrats on such a move if necessary to keep the government open, while Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y. recently said it was...