Call their bluff.
If the lizard wants to run on cutting defense, let’s rock.
The Pubies DO have another avenue with the appropriations bills and failing that with the CR. Put their next stand in the CR for 3 months only (until end of Dec). The Demons can either go with a conservative fiscal position or shut down the government come 1 October. Then again on 1 January if they insist on tax increases. The Pubies STILL have leverage.
So what are ya gonna do about it?