WATCH: Colorado Sen. Bennet spats with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz over government shutdown

Two competing bills meant to reopen the government came up short Thursday as lawmakers appear to be acting more urgently in the face of the growing pressure to have it reopened.

Among those calling to reopen the government, both Colorado senators cast their votes to do so. But just moments before those failed efforts, Colorado Democrat Michael Bennet took the floor for near 30 minutes — blasting colleagues for the gridlock that has kept the shutdown going.

“This is a JOKE!! This government should be open! We can always go back and debate whatever we want to debate,” said Senator Bennet.

Senator Bennet voted down to the President’s plan Thursday but did vote for the democratic measure. Republican Senator Cory Gardner votes yes on both measures.

As for the house, Congressman Doug Lamborn is placing the blame squarely at the foot of Democrats. He tweeted that Speaker Pelosi is playing partisan politics by canceling the State of the Union and she’ll do anything to avoid negotiating with the President.

To watch Thursday’s spat between Sen. Bennet and Sen. Ted Cruz over the government shutdown, click here or watch below: