VOA标准英语2008年-Bush Says He's Eager to Start New Year, Complet

By Scott Stearns
White House
01 January 2008

President Bush says he is eager to get back to work after starting the new year with family friends on his Texas ranch¹. VOA White House correspondent² Scott Stearns has the story.

Before returning to the White House, Mr. Bush told reporters in Texas that he and First Lady Laura Bush wish Americans a happy and healthy 2008.

"I particularly want to say something to our troops and their families: This country respects you, we admire you and we wish you a great 2008, as well," he said. "We have just come off the ranch; had a good rest and good New Year's with some friends. And I am looking forward to getting back to Washington to work on policies to keep this country safe and to keep this country prosperous³."

White House officials say the president plans to work against tax increases and higher government spending in order to stay on the path to a balanced budget. Mr. Bush also wants Congress⁴ to re-authorize an education program that requires more testing.

Outside America, President Bush says he is working toward⁵ a two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian violence and will begin a busy travel schedule with a trip to the Middle East next week.

1 ranch   

n.大牧场，大农场

参考例句：

• He went to work on a ranch.他去一个大农场干活。
• The ranch is in the middle of a large plateau.该牧场位于一个辽阔高原的中部。

2 correspondent   

n.记者，通信者；adj.符合的，一致的，相当的

参考例句：

• He volunteered as a correspondent for the war.他自愿担任作报道这次战争的记者。
• The result was correspondent with my wishes.结果与我的愿望是一致的。

3 prosperous   

adj.兴旺的，繁荣的；成功的

参考例句：

• This district is getting more and more prosperous and bustling.这一带越来越繁华了。
• The country is prosperous and the people live in peace.国泰民安。

4 Congress   

n.(代表)大会；(C-:美国等国的)国会，议会

参考例句：

• There were some days to wait before the Congress.大会的召开还有几天时间。
• After 18 years in Congress,he intented to return to private life.在国会供职18年后，他打算告老还乡。

5 toward   

prep.对于，关于，接近，将近，向，朝

参考例句：

• Suddenly I saw a tall figure approaching toward the policeman.突然间我看到一个高大的身影朝警察靠近。
• Upon seeing her,I smiled and ran toward her. 看到她我笑了，并跑了过去。