President Donald Trump has demanded funding for his long-promised US-Mexico border wall to halt “a growing humanitarian and security crisis”.
In his first Television address from the Oval Office, Mr Trump did not declare a national emergency to bypass Congress and build the barrier.
In a televised rebuttal, Democratic leaders accused him of holding the American people hostage.
Both sides are trying to gain an edge amid an 18-day government shutdown.
The Republican President wants 5 point 7 billion dollars to build a steel barrier, which would deliver on his signature campaign pledge.
But Democrats – who recently took control of the House of Representatives are opposed to giving him the funds.