Hassan Says Shutdown Will Cause 'Hardship' for NH Families

"The federal government shutdown will damage our economy and cause unnecessary hardship to New Hampshire families," Hassan said. "It is simply unconscionable that, at the expense of the needs of our people, some members of Congress have chosen to put their extreme ideology first and continue to fight battles they have already lost."

That said, Hassan said the State of New Hampshire will continue to operating, carrying out the normal functions of government. However, she said there could be some disruption to programs that are not yet funded.

"In New Hampshire, we come together to make things work, finding commonsense, bipartisan solutions that maintain our state’s high quality of life, and Washington needs to do the same," she said.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) also expressed concern about the impact the shutdown will have on New Hampshire families and businesses. She also said her Washington, D.C. and New Hampshire offices will be closed effective Tuesday due to the government shutdown.

"The consequences of a government shutdown are very real for families and small businesses in New Hampshire and across the country," Shaheen said. "I’m incredibly disappointed that we have come to this point that was entirely avoidable.  

"I know people in New Hampshire are frustrated with Washington and I share their frustration. This Congress can do better and it’s time for the dysfunction and obstructionism to come to an end. I hope we can quickly pass a short-term spending bill and resume bipartisan efforts to negotiate a long-term spending agreement and deficit-reduction plan immediately because that’s what the American public expects of us. We can’t afford any more manufactured crises that hurt our economy and so many families.”

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) issued a statement on Twitter, calling the shutdown "absurd" and hoping for a speedy resolution.

"Government shutdown absurd - hope cooler heads prevail and we reach compromise to keep govt open," she said.

U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) issued a statement blaming House Republicans for the shutdown:

“House Republicans’ insistence on putting partisan ideology ahead of basic common sense has forced a government shutdown that will hurt real people in real ways," Kuster said. "Some of my colleagues across the aisle have concluded that they would rather score political points at the expense of Granite State families and businesses than find actual solutions to the challenges we face. This is the height of irresponsibility.

"Instead of doubling-down on their all-or-nothing demands, House Republicans need to help pass a responsible bill to fund the government and provide certainty for New Hampshire families and businesses. I am hopeful that common sense will prevail so that the government can resume serving the American people and Congress can focus on solving problems instead of creating them. We can’t afford to keep lurching from crisis to crisis."

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) had similar sentiments, while adding a shot at the Tea Party.

"In a reckless attempt to obstruct the new health care law and extract an ideological laundry list of demands, House Republicans have shut down the federal government," Shea-Porter said. "These Tea Party tactics are harmful to the economy and they are an unacceptable way to govern.

"This government shutdown will hurt New Hampshire families. Workers across the Granite State will be furloughed. Seniors’ applications to begin receiving Social Security and Medicare benefits could be delayed. Businesses applying for loans through the Small Business Administration will have to wait.

"I have been very clear that I am willing to work with anyone to improve the Affordable Care Act, but I will not dismantle the health care law in exchange for funding the government," Shea-Porter added. "Funding the government is not a negotiating point. It’s Congress’ responsibility.

"I am deeply disappointed but not surprised that Tea Party Republicans have thrown our country into yet another unnecessary crisis. It’s time for Speaker John Boehner to drop this poisonous brand of politics and allow a vote on a clean bill to fund the government."