GONZALES, La. (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy says he wouldn't support a federal government shutdown as a way to defund President Barack Obama's health care law if the move would stop payments to the military.

Cassidy clarified his position Wednesday on an issue that has divided Republicans in Congress.

The congressman, who is running against U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, says he would prefer an up or down vote specifically on whether to pay for the federal health law's implementation.

But he says he won't vote against legislation to continue paying for U.S. government services beyond Sept. 30 if such a vote would also defund military programs.

Louisiana's Republican senator, U.S. Sen. David Vitter, says he will support a government shutdown rather than agree to pay for the Affordable Care Act.

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