Deployed members of the armed services will not have access to U.S. television and radio programming amid the government shutdown, the Armed Forces Network (AFN) announced in a tweet on Saturday.

The lack of television means troops won't be able to watch this weekend's NFL playoff games.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted about AFN's services and slammed Democrats for "playing political games."

I received this from a young infantryman serving in Afghanistan this morning. Sad that the men and women who have sacrificed so much are deprived of even the most basic connection to home bc Democrats are playing political games. #SchumerShutdown pic.twitter.com/jcUqU2crF1 — Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 20, 2018

AFN provides information, news and entertainment broadcasting to members of the military, Defense Department employees, contractors and their families.

The federal government shut down at midnight on Friday after Senate Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a funding deal.

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The Trump administration has laid the blame on Democrats, citing the impact the shutdown will have on the armed services.

Vice President Pence warned of the consequences the shutdown could have for national defense early on Saturday.

"Democratic leadership preferred a shutdown that has dangerous consequences for our national defense," Pence said.

"Their action tonight, or lack thereof, is unconscionable. Our administration will do everything within our power to support the brave men and women in uniform who stand on the frontlines of freedom."