U.S. CAPITOL building, the seat of Congress, in Washington, D.C. (Wikipedia photo).

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved legislation to block President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to fund his proposed wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

With the 245-182 vote, Democrats rebuffed the presidents’ plan to raise over $6 billion for the barrier by taking money from already-authorized military construction and other federal accounts.  Thirteen Republicans joined with all House Democrats in favor of the bill.

The next step will be a Senate vote, which must occur within 18 days.

The Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, but three members of the GOP have announced their intent to support the bill. If one more Republican senator shifts, that would be a majority in favor and passage. However, President Trump could veto the bill, and a two-thirds majority – considered difficult, if not unlikely – is needed to override that veto.