In the Senate, American Politics as Usual

The latest deal advancing immigration reform in the Senate falls back on an old American tradition: when you can't reach a deal, start handing out money.

The deal calls for a “border surge” that nearly doubles the current border patrol force to 40,000 agents from 21,000, as well as for the completion of 700 miles of fence on the nation’s southern border. The additional border agents, the senators said, would cost roughly $25 billion.

Is that really the best way we can think of to spend $25 billion?