OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska and Iowa Army National Guard units have delayed drills this month because of a federal funding shortage that has affected thousands of Army National Guard units across the country.  Nebraska National Guard spokesman Kevin Hynes said Tuesday that the delays affect about 20 Nebraska Army Guard units – about half of the state’s total. The state has about 3,500 soldiers in the Army Guard.

Col. Greg Hapgood of the Iowa National Guard says the delays affect most of the state’s 7,200 Army National Guard members. The states’ Air National Guard units are not affected.

A $101 million funding gap has led to postponed Guard drills nationwide. Efforts are underway in Congress to get funding reallocated so drills can be held and National Guard members can get paid.