WESLACO – More than a dozen states are legally challenging the national emergency declared by President Trump last week.

South Texas College political science professor, Dr. Bill Greene, says these declarations are common, but the one declared last week might be different.

“The vast majority have had to do with economic situations or security situations that deal with foreign countries, so this one is unusual in the sense that it's more domestic in nature,” says Greene.

He says Congress failed to pass a favorable solution to the president’s border wall request.

Greene explains the authority to distribute federal dollars is a responsibility that falls on Congress.

According to the U.S. Constitution, federal money can’t be spent on a specific thing unless Congress gives authorization.

Greene explains Congress gave presidents the power to go around them, and could potentially take it back.

However, the option to overturn the power of the President to go around Congress is unlikely due to the republican majority of the Senate.

For more information watch the video above.