“It is time for President Trump to use emergency powers to fund the construction of a border wall/barrier. I hope it works," Graham said in a statement.

Trump is flirting with declaring a national emergency as talks with congressional leadership have hit a roadblock. But the idea has sparked pushback from some Republicans on Capitol Hill who warn it will spark a lengthy court battle and set a precedent for a future Democratic president to use the declaration to leapfrog congressional Republicans. Graham separately told reporters on Thursday that Congress could try to block Trump's declaration if he uses that option to end the partial shutdown, which is impacting roughly a quarter of the federal government. “If he goes down that route, apparently under the statute the House can take up a privileged motion [and] disapprove the declaration,” Graham said. “It comes over here, Senate Democrats can insist we vote on it. And if you get a majority to disapprove it doesn’t go forward.” “If he goes down that route, apparently under the statute the House can take up a privileged motion [and] disapprove the declaration,” Graham said. “It comes over here, Senate Democrats can insist we vote on it. And if you get a majority to disapprove it doesn’t go forward.”