US President Donald Trump is addressing his country to rally support for border wall funding.
He made the announcement on Twitter, saying he will "Address the Nation on the Humanitarian and National Security crisis on our Southern Border".
The televised speech is playing on Tuesday night for Americans.
There is speculation the President could declare a national emergency that could enable him to move forward with construction of his proposed border wall without congressional consent.
The speech comes after Mr Trump triggered a federal government shutdown.
Democrats, who now have a majority of control in the House of Representatives, refused to endorse the President's request for US$5.6 billion to build 200 miles of new fencing along the 2000-mile border.
The border wall is a campaign promise Mr Trump frequently made to his supporters, claiming Mexico would pay for it. He has slammed the Democrats on Twitter for opposing the funding.
Democrats have offered US$1.3 billion for border security measures, including increased surveillance and fencing, but that doesn't appear to be enough for Mr Trump.
US Vice President Mike Pence says the US is facing an "undeniable crisis" at its southern border and is urging Democrats to "come to the table" to negotiate an end to the government shutdown.
Newshub.
