Obama addresses military as gov’t shuts down

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is telling members of the military he’ll work to get Congress to re-open the government as soon as possible.

President Barack Obama speaks in the James Brady Briefing room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 30, 2013. Obama said a government shutdown would throw a wrench into the gears of U.S. economy. AP

Obama is addressing troops in a video message after Congress missed a midnight deadline to avert a partial government shutdown.

Obama says troops in uniform will remain on duty as usual. He says he’s signed a law ensuring troops get paid on time. He says ongoing operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere will continue and the U.S. will ensure those in harm’s way have what they need.

But Obama says Defense Department civilians may be furloughed. He says that compounds the damage from spending cuts that have already affected the military.

Hundreds of thousands of government workers will be off the job Monday, but some essential services will continue.

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