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Sen. Markey: Government shutdown would harm Mass.

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Edward Markey is warning a government shutdown would harm Massachusetts.

Markey said nearly 200,000 seniors could be denied Social Security services while 25,000 military members and their families could have their pay delayed.

He said college students could also be without their loans as long as the government is closed.

House Republicans vowed Thursday not to accept stopgap legislation that's likely to remain after Senate Democrats strip away a plan to dismantle President Obama's health care law.

That sets the stage for weekend drama on Capitol Hill, moving the country closer to a government shutdown.

Markey said a shutdown could also stop small business loans, force Head Start centers to close, and temporarily shutter national parks and historic sites like Faneuil Hall and the Adams National Historical Park.