WASHINGTON \u2014 Apparently, football is essential for the operation of the U.S. military. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defense Department officials reversed course Sunday morning and announced they will partially restore operations at the American Forces Network, which was shuttered Saturday because of the government shutdown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement, Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said department officials \u201cdetermined the operational necessity of television and radio broadcasts constitutes them as essential activities.\u201d As a result, two of AFN\u2019s eight channels will remain broadcasting for now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The network\u2019s programming relies entirely on civilian government employees, who were furloughed at midnight Saturday. However, defense officials said they can keep both the news and sports broadcasting channels operating with minimal manning and no additional cost, even during the lapse in appropriations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The policy change means that troops abroad will be able to watch the NFL conference championship games this afternoon, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles playing for the NFC title and the Jacksonville Jaguars playing for the AFC title (two other teams are involved, too). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
White said said the move is a signal that \u201cwe will continue to find solutions to support our troops at home and abroad. Congress must come to a resolution, support our troops and pass a budget soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Saturday night, government operations were partially shut down after congressional leaders failed to adopt a new budget resolution to continue funding federal programs. Democratic and Republican leaders spent most of Saturday accusing each other of undermining military missions and hurting federal employees by not conceding to a deal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Negotiators are now eyeing a three-week extension of government funding to re-open operations. But Democrats are insistent on that deal addressing the issue of expiring aspects of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, while President Donald Trump and Republicans are saying they won\u2019t discuss immigration issues until the budget impasse is solved. <\/p>\n\n\n\t