WASHINGTON -- Arkansas' members in the U.S. House of Representatives supported legislation to reopen the federal government on Wednesday, hopeful about ending the longest government shutdown after 43 days.

Reps. Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman joined most of their Republican colleagues in backing the measure.

The effects of the government shutdown had become more intense in recent weeks. Air traffic controllers and other federal workers missed paychecks and millions of Americans lacked certainty regarding access to November food benefits.

"I don't see where anybody gained anything from it," Westerman, of Hot Springs, said about the government shutdown.

The Senate on Monday passed the legislation. Both of Arkansas' senators -- Republicans John Boozman, of Ro

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