Democrats’ Big Plans Shrink Amid Disunity, Implacable GOP (1)

President Joe Biden’s sweeping plans to expand social programs and fight climate change risk being whittled down by internal disputes among Democrats, who’ve been thwarted by Republicans on immigration, voting rights and gun control.

Meanwhile, the nation is hurtling toward a possible government shutdown and potential default on government obligations in coming weeks. With Democrats in control of both Congress and the White House, the economic fallout of either would have political consequences for Biden’s party in the midterm elections next year.

Top Democrats are seeking middle ground between the party’s moderates and progressives, who are at odds over ...