Thanks to Sen. Coburn for making essentially the same point I was trying to make yesterday.

Granted, some of Coburn’s remarks — e.g., “regardless of how imperfect or incomplete the president’s list may be” — seem a bit snippier than mine, but the fundamental argument is the same. As I wrote yesterday, “Budget paring is a process, not a light switch.” In that vein, I applaud the Senator for noting that …

These proposals must be followed by real action and enforcement by Congress and the White House. Many presidents have proposed specific spending cuts, but nearly all have failed to carry through on their pledges.

Let’s hope the White House listens and makes the President’s $17B proposal something more than an empty gesture.