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“We’re learning from senior officials here at the White House that the president, in his State of the Union address, will have a major announcement. Basically, that he’s going to propose that all non-security discretionary spending be frozen for the next three years.” (CNN)

The White House says that the budget freeze would save $250 billion over the next 10 years.

But some media outlets are wondering if $250 billion in the bank is even less effective than David’s rock against the U.S.’ Goliath budget — and several say President Obama is going back on his word.

We’re looking at perspectives from The New York Times, MSNBC, CNN and Hot Air.

The New York Times reports that savings will be small, amounting to less than three percent of the projected deficit. The Times quoted a spokesman for House Republican leader John Boehner.

“Given Washington Democrats’ unprecedented spending binge, this is like announcing you’re going on a diet after winning a pie-eating contest.”

The freeze won’t affect security-related budgets like that of the Pentagon and for foreign aid. MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow argues that a spending freeze is what got Americans into The Great Depression.

“Deficit spending is what governments do to get economies moving again. A spending freeze is like trying to put out a fire by pouring gasoline on it.”

Vice President Biden’s Economic Advisor, Jared Bernstein on the same broadcast says the key to the freeze is that it’s not across-the-board. He says emergency spending will continue to help boost the economy.

“Bernstein: ‘We’re going to really shift our focus here to stuff that works, and to help stabilize what is truly a long-term unsustainable budget picture by squeezing stuff that doesn’t work. Maddow: ‘So, cutting $250 billion out of the budget, and at this point you’re saying, ‘Don’t worry — it will be all good cuts.’”

Still, some point out that Mr. Obama could be trying to win back some approval. CNN says the president is putting his focus back on the economy.

“The point of this when you talk to senior officials is this president wants to get serious about fiscal discipline. He’s heard all the criticism about Washington spending so much money.”

And with the State of the Union tomorrow night, many are looking back at Mr. Obama’s early promises. Conservative blog Hot Air points out that in the first presidential debate between John McCain and then-Senator Obama, Obama was against spending freezes. Candidate Obama said:

“The problem with a spending freeze is you’re using a hatchet when you need a scalpel.”

Whether this freeze lacks a steady hand remains to be seen. Is it a step towards savings, or a trip into an even bigger budget hole?

Writer: Lauren Zima