WASHINGTON  President Obama, seeking to broaden the appeal of his signature initiative, said Saturday that a proposed $825 billion package of spending programs and tax breaks was crucial not only to turn around the economy but also to rebuild the nation for a new era.

In his first weekly video address as president, Mr. Obama made the case that the package would help students go to college, protect workers from losing health care, lower energy bills and modernize schools, roads and utilities.

“This is not just a short-term program to boost employment,” Mr. Obama said. “It’s one that will invest in our most important priorities like energy and education, health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century.”

The speech was part of a developing campaign by the White House to build momentum behind the plan and propel it to passage by mid-February. The White House released a report Saturday revealing details about the package, which would pay for a variety of projects, like laying 3,000 miles of transmission lines for a national electric grid, securing 90 major ports and guaranteeing health insurance for 8.5 million Americans in danger of losing coverage.