I have no problem with timid Republicans shirking responsibility for making broad and substantial cuts, as long as they make those cuts.
Their tactic should be simple. Make a plan of massive, tremendous cuts. Then present the whole, huge, laundry list to the US senate, and say, “What is the bare minimum of these you demand be restored, for which you will vote for the budget?”
You see, the Republican’s ace in the hole is to threaten the Democrats.
“Unless you agree to lose most now, and preserve a few, when the Republicans take the senate in the next elections, and likely the presidency, the WHOLE list goes.”
So, for the first time, the Democrats will have a chance to be bi-partisan, instead of just demanding bi-partisanship from the Republicans. OR ELSE.
I would have a national referendum on which things should be cut... from a list of like 30 or so.
Then simply get everyone to promise to abide by the decision of the American people.