Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) accused Democrats of prolonging the ongoing U.S. government shutdown by refusing to pass a short-term funding measure, claiming they are holding out for controversial spending items, including $4.2 million in LGBTQ-related funding for Uganda.

Speaking on the Senate floor Friday afternoon, Kennedy criticized Democratic leaders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), alleging that their priorities were misplaced amid the funding stalemate. “The American people deserve a government that works for them — not one that shuts down because of foreign pet projects,” he said.

The House-passed bill, which would have funded the government through November 21, received 54 votes in the Senate, falling six short of the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome the legislative filibuster.

Democrats have argued that Republicans are refusing to negotiate in good faith, blaming GOP lawmakers for introducing partisan riders that hinder compromise. Meanwhile, the shutdown continues to impact federal workers, national parks, and public services across the country.