Obama Releases Post-Shutdown Message for Troops, Civilian Defense Employees

Immediately following the government officially reaching shutdown mode, President Obama put out a video to the military explaining what the shutdown means for them. In the video, Obama says, “Unfortunately, Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility. It’s failed to pass a budget, and as a result, much of our government must now shut down until Congress funds it again.”

Obama explained that troops in uniform will remain on duty, and “if you’re serving in harm’s way, we’re going to make sure you have what you need to succeed in your missions.”

Congress passed a bill that was signed into law by Obama earlier in the day that would include a military pay exemption for the government shutdown. As for the DoD civilian personnel, Obama told them “you and your families deserve better” but now they’re going to have to suffer more furloughs.

The president ended by pledging to fight both the shutdown and the sequester that have contributed to the furloughs.

Watch the video below, via MSNBC:

[photo via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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