'Now is the time': Biden's influence faces Capitol crucible

The next few months will push President Joe Biden to wield every drop of his influence over Congress.

Democrats are plunging into messy internal debates over social programs from child care to drug pricing as they try to beat back GOP resistance on voting rights while steering the United States away from economic catastrophe. And in order to avert a government shutdown, avoid a debt default and fight ballot access restrictions passed in some GOP states, Democratic lawmakers are urging Biden to get more directly involved.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin...