FARGO (KFGO) – Minnesota Democratic Congressman Collin Peterson is telling his Democratic colleagues to approve President Trump’s request for funding a wall on the southern border.

On KFGO’s “News & Views,” Peterson said approving Trump’s request could help bring an end to an “unnecessary” government shutdown.

“Give Trump the money” Peterson said. “I’d give him the whole thing…and put strings on it so you make sure he puts the wall where it needs to be. Why are we fighting over this? We’re going to build that wall anyway, at some time.”

Peterson suggested that a portion of the money could be used to help the Border Patrol and to improve security measures at ports of entry. “I don’t know if I want to give (Trump) a blank check, but I don’t want to preclude him from getting the money either, if he’s going to use the money correctly.”

Peterson, the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, added “I don’t know how we get (to a deal). The White House hasn’t called me. When I bring up what I have to say (to Democrats), they look at me cross-eyed.”