Vice President Mike Pence Pence is blasting Democrats for the congressional failure to keep the government open.

Pence has been briefed on the government shutdown as he flies across the Atlantic Ocean to the Middle East.

In a statement, he says: "Our administration will do everything within our power to support the brave men and women in uniform who stand on the frontlines of freedom. But as of tonight, due to a completely avoidable government shutdown, they'll stand their post without pay."

Pence was briefed on the shutdown by his chief of staff, Nick Ayers. The White House says Pence will continue his trip to Egypt, Jordan and Israel despite the lapse in federal funding, because it is "integral" to U.S. national security and diplomacy.