2007年VOA标准英语-US Congress to Debate Iraq War, Immigration

By Scott Stearns
White House
12 May 2007

U.S. lawmakers begin debate on reforming the nation's immigration laws in the coming week. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports, President Bush wants bipartisan action on immigration reform while opposition² Democrats³ continue to criticize his conduct of the war in Iraq.

At a time of deep partisan¹ politics over the war in Iraq, President Bush says he is optimistic that Republicans and Democrats can come together this year on reforming immigration laws.

Leaders from both parties have been meeting at the White House and on Capitol Hill in the last month in hopes of building a consensus⁴ on the issue.

In his weekly radio address, President Bush said Republicans and Democrats understand that the current system needs reform and that reform must be bipartisan.

 

"We agree that we need a system where our laws are respected," said Mr. Bush.  "We agree that we need a system that meets the legitimate⁵ needs of workers and employers. And we agree that we need a system that treats people with dignity and helps newcomers assimilate into our society."

The president says comprehensive immigration reform must improve border security, hold employers accountable for those they hire, and create a temporary worker program.  He says the plan must also resolve the status of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country and help them better assimilate into American culture.

Past efforts by the president to change U.S. immigration law were blocked by members of his own party, some of whom believe that giving any legal status to immigrants already in the country illegally amounts to an amnesty for people who have broken the law.

Most political observers believe Mr. Bush has a better chance of passing immigration reform with opposition Democrats now in charge of both the House and Senate.

So far, Democrats have largely used their Congressional majorities to try and force the president to change course in Iraq.

In the Democratic radio address, retired⁶ Air Force Major General Melvyn Montano criticized the president for vetoing legislation that included a timetable for troop withdrawal⁷ from Iraq.

"Our plan ensures U.S. troops have the resources they need to complete their mission. But the mission in Iraq itself must change," he said.  "Our brave men and women in uniform should not continue to police a civil war."

Montano says only clear benchmarks to measure progress will force Iraq's government to be accountable for its own future.

Faced with growing opposition to the war from Republican moderates, President Bush says he agrees that benchmarks for performance are a good idea, but he rejects any notion that failing to meet those benchmarks should result in a reduction of funds for Iraq's government or the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

1 partisan   

adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒

参考例句：

• In their anger they forget all the partisan quarrels.愤怒之中，他们忘掉一切党派之争。
• The numerous newly created partisan detachments began working slowly towards that region.许多新建的游击队都开始慢慢地向那里移动。

2 opposition   

n.反对，敌对

参考例句：

• The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard.该党领袖在自己的党內遇到了反对。
• The police tried to break down the prisoner's opposition.警察设法制住了那个囚犯的反抗。

3 democrats   

n.民主主义者，民主人士( democrat的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The Democrats held a pep rally on Capitol Hill yesterday. 民主党昨天在国会山召开了竞选誓师大会。
• The democrats organize a filibuster in the senate. 民主党党员组织了阻挠议事。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 consensus   

n.(意见等的)一致，一致同意，共识

参考例句：

• Can we reach a consensus on this issue?我们能在这个问题上取得一致意见吗？
• What is the consensus of opinion at the afternoon meeting?下午会议上一致的意见是什么？

5 legitimate   

adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法

参考例句：

• Sickness is a legitimate reason for asking for leave.生病是请假的一个正当的理由。
• That's a perfectly legitimate fear.怀有这种恐惧完全在情理之中。

6 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。

7 withdrawal   

n.取回，提款；撤退，撤军；收回，撤销

参考例句：

• The police were forced to make a tactical withdrawal.警方被迫进行战术撤退。
• They insisted upon a withdrawal of the statement and a public apology.他们坚持要收回那些话并公开道歉。