WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden returned to his birthplace Wednesday for the first time since taking office, declaring his multitrillion-dollar safety net and infrastructure packages would restore an America starving for investments in its workers, families and the environment.The president scolded doubters who focus on divides among Democratic lawmakers that could jeopardize the cornerstone policies of his administration, and he acknowledged he has scaled back his ambitions in order to garner support.
But his legislative efforts — now expected to be about $2 trillion and $1 trillion each — would still be an unprecedented attempt to expand social services for millions and tackle the rising threat of climate change as well as update roads.