LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada's new U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen says she was "incredibly humbled" to be sworn into office but the Democrat says Congress needs to end what she called a "senseless and avoidable" partial government shutdown.

Rosen spoke to reporters Thursday by telephone from Washington. She took the oath of office Thursday morning, the 13th day of the shutdown over money for President Donald Trump's border wall.

Rosen didn't directly answer a question about whether she'd vote for a plan that funds the wall but said that Trump is "hung up on the idea of this giant wall" and speculated that "maybe he believes it plays well on television."

She says the U.S. needs smart technology like drones to protect its borders but a comprehensive plan that also provides a pathway for people to immigrate.