House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Sunday defended Democrats from criticism that they are responsible for a government shutdown that will harm the United States military.

“I just want to say something to our men and women in uniform, we in Congress take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and the American people. We value the service and courage and leadership of our men and women in uniform,” Pelosi​, of California, said.​

President Trump and his Republican colleagues are attacking Democrats, especially those in the Senate, who voted against a spending bill that would have allowed the government to continue operating until Feb. 16.

​As part of any deal, Senate Democrats want protection for young immigrants brought to the US illegally by their parents from deportation.

In a tweet early Sunday, Trump blamed the Democrats for siding with illegal immigrants over the military. ​

​”​Great to see how hard Republicans are fighting for our Military and Safety at the Border. The Dems just want illegal immigrants to pour into our nation unchecked​,” he wrote.​

The House passed a bill on Thursday that would ​extend funding to the government.

But the measure died in the Senate on Friday on a 50-49 vote, forcing the government to shut down at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

​While Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, they needed 60 votes to approve the temporary spending plan.

While many federal civilian employees would be furloughed, US troops would continue to serve without pay until the shutdown ends.