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Obama addresses military as government shuts down

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama told members of the military he'll work to get Congress to re-open the government as soon as possible.

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

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

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

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