Obama Addresses Troops on Shutdown Impact

W460

U.S. President Barack Obama told U.S. troops in a video message early Tuesday that they would still get paid on time, despite a government shutdown.

Obama earlier signed emergency legislation ensuring that wages would continue for service members, despite much of the government shutting down after Congress failed to defuse a huge federal funding row.

"Unfortunately, Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility, it has failed to pass a budget," said Obama, in the message broadcast on the Armed Forces Broadcasting network.

"If you are serving in harm's way we are going to make sure you have what you need to complete your missions."

"The threats to our national security have not changed, and we need you to be ready for any contingency," Obama said.

The president warned however that many non essential civilian contractors, unlike their colleagues in uniform, would not be paid.

"I know the days ahead could mean more uncertainty, including possible furloughs, and I know this comes on top of the furloughs that many of you already endured this summer," Obama said.

"You and your families deserve better than the dysfunction we're seeing in Congress."

"I will keep working to get Congress to reopen our government and get you back to work as soon as possible."

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