LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The ongoing federal government shutdown is delaying pay for thousands of Arkansas National Guard members and employees, with effects varying by role.

Over 6,000 Arkansans tied to Guard operations are affected, part of a nationwide impact across more than 40 states. National Guard troops and other military members performing essential “excepted” duties must remain on duty during the shutdown but will not be paid.

Military members are generally ineligible for regular unemployment benefits, the Associated Press reported.

President Donald Trump on Oct. 4 directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use all available Defense Department funds to pay military members during the shutdown.

"While that order does allow the Department of Defense to continue paying Ac

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