The United States must prioritize investing in domestic infrastructure and innovation at home in order to compete abroad against foreign rivals, including China, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday. Blinken, speaking at the University of Maryland, sought to establish that long-term domestic investment is critical to strengthen the nation’s national security and foreign policy, saying it will help boost global competitiveness, strengthen U.S. diplomacy, and stand up for democracy. The remarks come as a massive $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill backed by President Joe Biden nears approval in Congress, with a final vote on the bill in the Senate expected on Tuesday, after weeks of negotiations. [source] The bill targets multiple infrastructure projects including roads, water, and bridges, as well as broadband internet. The secretary of state acknowledged China as a major rival and called it a “rising power” and is “full speed ahead” when it comes to investing in infrastructure and innovation, but added that …