NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey's senators are urging both sides

in the NHL lockout to consider the economic impact on their state

if the dispute is not resolved.

U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg sent a letter

Monday to the commissioner of the National Hockey League and the

director of the NHL Players' Association urging them to reach a

settlement.

The Democrats write that Congress has jurisdiction over

interstate commerce, which includes professional sports, and will

be keeping a "close eye" on negotiations.

The letter warns that the absence of New Jersey Devils' games in

Newark could mean millions of dollars in lost economic activity and

jobs in especially tough economic times. The Devils advanced to the

Stanley Cup Finals last season, creating a financial boost to the

city just five months ago.

The lockout comes on the heels of the NBA's Nets moving from

Newark to Brooklyn, N.Y.