Cindy McCain, widow of the late Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainThe electoral reality that the media ignores Kelly's lead widens to 10 points in Arizona Senate race: poll COVID response shows a way forward on private gun sale checks MORE (R-Ariz.), on Wednesday joined the discussion of a proposed southern border wall by suggesting the Trump administration could work to repair existing border fencing rather than move to install new concrete or metal barriers.

In a tweet that came as a partial shutdown of the federal government dragged on into its 19th day, McCain appeared to suggest the move as a compromise that could bring the White House and congressional Democrats together on a deal to fund the government. The White House has demanded that any bill to reopen the government include roughly $5.7 billion in funding for construction of a border wall.

Why don’t we just repair the wall we have? pic.twitter.com/PJT8sTuCwo — Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) January 9, 2019

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The president left a meeting with top congressional Democrats on Wednesday complaining it was a "waste of time," while hinting this week that he could seek to declare a national emergency surrounding immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally if Congress doesn't meet his funding demands.

"Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time," Trump wrote on Twitter shortly after the meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiMcConnell focuses on confirming judicial nominees with COVID-19 talks stalled Overnight Defense: Top admiral says 'no condition' where US should conduct nuclear test 'at this time' | Intelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings Pelosi must go — the House is in dire need of new leadership MORE (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerMcConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security Warren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt Schumer lashes out at Trump over 'blue states' remark: 'What a disgrace' MORE (D-N.Y.).

"I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier?" the president continued, adding: "Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!"