In order to avoid another pricey and controversial government shutdown over funding for a border wall, President Trump decided to declare a “national emergency” to complete his oft-repeated campaign promise.

“We’re going to confront the national security crisis on our southern border…one way or the other, we have to do it,” Trump told reporters on Feb. 15, finally receiving the billions he requested for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. When he campaigned for president, he claimed Mexico would pay for the wall, one way or another.

Democrats have refused to approve Trump’s budget demands, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has rejected what she calls an “immoral and hateful obsession” with building a border wall. With the national emergency declared, 16 states have filed a lawsuit against the seizing of the funds.

The issuing of a national emergency is not uncommon; President Obama had issued 12 national emergencies in his tenure, and President Bush Jr. issued 13, and President Clinton declared close to 20.