Thread by @puppie96

@wrap02 For once @RoyBlunt is doing something right. There were less border arrests in FY2018 than the average for the prior 10 years. There were not quite 400K. Do the math. If the 8 billion for a “wall” resulted in 8000 more arrests, that would be at a cost of a million for each one.

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt If there were 80K more arrests, each one would cost 100K. Is there any evidence to support the idea that this structure would result in an increase in arrests that would justify the expense? Is there evidence it would be superior to using high tech means of detecting crossings?

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt The 8 billion is only a down payment on this huge construction project, which would continue to burn far more tax dollars. Now, wouldn’t you like to be sure that our elected reps have studied the data thoroughly & have convincing evidence that the expenditure would be worth it?

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt I believe it’s reasonable for taxpayers to expect those elected to Congress to be responsible stewards of OUR tax money, make informed spending choices, & to that end will conduct a thorough cost/benefit analysis. I have seen no evidence that has occurred about the “wall.”

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt .@RepAnnWagner @HawleyMO Illegal immigration statistics don’t support the idea that there’s an “emergency” at the border, & a “solution” that would take years to implement isn’t an action taken to deal with an actual emergency. The .@GOP definition of “emergency” is flawed.

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt @RepAnnWagner @HawleyMO @GOP So while it is laudable that @RoyBlunt is refusing to accept a definition of “emergency” that isn’t at all like what is usually viewed as an emergency, & rightfully views a declaration by tRump as ridiculous & dangerous, where is his cost/benefit analysis on the “wall” issue?

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt @RepAnnWagner @HawleyMO @GOP I have yet to see any rationale for a “wall” from him or other @GOP supporters to justify the expenditure in a logical, research based manner. Arresting 8000 more people at a cost of a million apiece is not reasonable. The number of arrests would have to increase dramatically.

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt @RepAnnWagner @HawleyMO @GOP This is supposed to be the show-me state. Show me in concrete terms how an expenditure of over 8 billion (& counting) for a “wall” will result in measurable improvement in the number of border arrests. Is it realistic to expect a “wall” would result in 80K more or less arrests?

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@wrap02 @RoyBlunt @RepAnnWagner @HawleyMO @GOP Even if there were 8000 or 80000 LESS arrests, what would that signify? Would it mean that constructing a “wall” was effective, or just that there were less patrols because of reliance on the structure? From all indications, it is a simple process to get over a wall.

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt @RepAnnWagner @HawleyMO @GOP If the “wall,” or the part of it that the 8 billion paid for were constructed, how would its effectiveness be measured? By number of arrests? Would it be expected to fall to zero? If so, would that justify the wall or simply reflect that less agents were on the beat?

@wrap02 @RoyBlunt @RepAnnWagner @HawleyMO @GOP The bottom line is that there will NEVER be a way to determine accurately how many illegal immigrants successfully entered the US. 8 billion dollars, for starters, would be thrown at this project with no real way to measure whether it had any effect at all. Responsible spending?

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