China 'closing in fast,' Biden warns Congress

Biden argued that his proposals for families and infrastructure, which together total about $4 trillion, represent a once-in-a-generation investment vital to America's future. But Republicans say most of the spending is aimed at satisfying Biden's liberal base, and that the president's plans amount to socialism.

Biden said the spending plans were needed to keep up with China, which he and his administration sees as a major strategic challenger.

"China and other countries are closing in fast," he said, adding that he has spent a lot of time talking to Chinese President Xi Jinping.