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新闻背景导读
纳尔逊·罗利赫拉赫拉·曼德拉（Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela）1918年7月18日出生于南非特兰斯凯，先后获南非大学文学士和威特沃特斯兰德大学律师资格。曾任非国大青年联盟全国书记、主席。于1994年至1999年间任南非总统，是首位黑人总统，被尊称为南非国父。在任职总统前，曼德拉是积极的反种族隔离人士，同时也是非洲国民大会的武装组织民族之矛的领袖。当他领导反种族隔离运动时，南非法院以密谋推翻政府等罪名将他定罪。依据判决，曼德拉在牢中服刑了27年。1990年出狱后，转而支持调解与协商，并在推动多元族群民主的过渡期挺身领导南非。自种族隔离制度终结以来，曼德拉受到了来自各界的赞许，包括从前的反对者。曼德拉在40年来获得了超过一百项奖项，其中最显著的便是1993年的诺贝尔和平奖。2004年，其被选为最伟大的南非人。2013年12月6日（南非时间5日），曼德拉在约翰内斯堡住所去世，享年95岁。南非为曼德拉举行国葬，全国降半旗。在曼德拉葬礼期间，许多前任和现任世界领导人都在缅怀曼德拉。
新闻词汇热身
influential adj. 有影响的，有权势的
profoundly adv. 深深地
inspiration n. 鼓舞人心的人
apartheid n. （南非）欧洲人与非欧洲人的种族隔离
champion n. 捍卫者，拥护者
dignity n. 庄严，尊严
tremendous adj. 巨大的；了不起的
honorable adj. 荣誉的，高尚的
colonialism n. 殖民主义
occupation n. 占领
正点新闻播报
Remembering Nelson Mandela Around the World
People around the world are remembering Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president. He died Thursday at the age of 95.
South African President Jacob Zuma said the nation "has lost its greatest son, and our people have lost a father".
Many world leaders, past and present, are remembering Nelson Mandela.
In the United States, President Barack Obama called Mandela an influential , brave and profoundly good human being. Mr. Obama said Mandela will be remembered for leaving a free South Africa at peace.
"I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life. My very first political action — the first thing I ever did that involved an issue, or a policy, or politics — was a protest against apartheid . I would study his words and his writings. The day he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they're guided by their hopes and not by their fears."
Former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also praised Mandela as a champion of freedom, human dignity and equality. Another former president — George H.W. Bush — called Mandela "a man of tremendous moral courage" who changed the direction of history in his country.
In London, British Prime Minister David Cameron called Mandela a true global hero. In his words, a great light has gone out in the world.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Mandela, "one of the most honorable figures of our time". Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called him "a symbol of freedom from colonialism and occupation ". He called Mr. Mandela's death "a great loss".
新闻播报译文
全球政要与领袖深刻缅怀曼德拉
全世界的人们都在缅怀南非首位黑人总统纳尔逊·曼德拉。他于周四去世，享年95岁。
南非总统雅各布·祖马说：南非“失去了她最伟大的儿子，而南非人民失去了一位好父亲”。
许多前任和现任世界领导人都在缅怀曼德拉。
在美国，奥巴马总统称曼德拉是一个有影响力、勇敢、善良的人。奥巴马称，曼德拉将因为留下一个自由和平的南非而被铭记。
奥巴马说：“我是被曼德拉的一生所激励的亿万人中的一员。我的第一次政治行动——我所做的涉及议题、或政策、或政治的第一件事——就是抗议种族隔离。我认真研读了他的言论和著作。他走出监狱的那一天，我认识到人类能够在自己的希望而不是恐惧引领下所能成就的事业。”
美国前总统卡特、克林顿和小布什赞扬曼德拉是自由、人类尊严以及平等的捍卫者。另一位前总统老布什称曼德拉是改变南非历史方向的勇士。
在伦敦，英国首相卡梅伦称曼德拉是一位真正的全球英雄。用他的话来说，世界的一盏明灯已经熄灭。
以色列总理内塔尼亚胡称曼德拉是“我们这个时代最值得尊敬的人物之一”。巴勒斯坦权力机构主席阿巴斯称他是“摆脱殖民主义和占领的象征”。他称曼德拉之死是“一个巨大的损失”。
新闻语言点睛
1. at peace 处于和平状态
例句 The country is at peace with its neighbours for the first time in years.
这些年，这个国家第一次和其邻国和睦相处。
2. release from 释放，解脱
例句 This medicine will give you release from pain.
这药吃后会减轻你的疼痛。
3. a sense of 一种感觉
例句 Afterwards I felt a great sense of relief.
之后我感到前所未有的轻松。
4. a symbol of ……的象征
例句 The dove is a symbol of peace.
鸽子是和平的象征。
5. a great loss
例句 Her departure is a great loss to the orchestra.
她的离去是管弦乐队的一大损失。
新闻背景导读
医疗保障计划是美国政府做出的一项重大决策，旨在为65岁以上老人以及某些残疾人提供经济实惠的健康保险。尽管其他国家及地区提供更为全面的健康保险计划，但是在美国，为医疗保障提供资金一直是一个敏感的政治问题。近期的变革以及处方药的增加计划引发了很多争论。无论如何，对于大多数美国人来说，医疗保障都是一种用来支付卫生保健费用的重要手段。这个星期，有缺陷的美国政府医保网站将再次成为人们关注的焦点。美国人应该登录这个网站申请私人医疗保险。在美国政府承诺重大改进的11月30日截止日期之后，所谓的“奥巴马医保”网站显然好用多了，但还远远不够完美。
新闻词汇热身
unveil v. 揭露
problem-plagued adj. 问题丛生的
assurance n. 信心；保证
anticipate v. 预期（料），期望
embarrassment n. 窘迫，为难
technologically-savvy n. 科技的重要性
rollout n. 首次展示
congressional adj. 会议的；国（议）会的
scrap v. 废弃
substance n. 实质；大意，要旨
正点新闻播报
Focus on Health Care Website
Two months after healthcare.gov's unveiling , the problem-plagued website remains a work in progress despite President Barack Obama's assurances weeks ago.
"By the end of this month we anticipate that it is going to be working the way it is supposed to," he said.
The Affordable Care Act's troubled rollout has been a major embarrassment for an administration that had been regarded as technologically-savvy .
"There is no question the rollout on the Affordable Care Act was much tougher than we expected," Obama said. "But I want everybody here to understand: I am going to see this through."
President Obama's approval ratings have sunk in recent weeks, and congressional Republicans, who opposed Obamacare from the start, have been energized.
"I do not believe you can fix this law to lower the cost and increase access," said Representative Kevin McCarthy. "We have to scrap it and start anew."
"I do not think Obamacare has failed," said Democratic lawmakers like Steny Hoyer, who continue to defend the law. "Access to Obamacare has been a failure at this point in time. And it needs to be fixed. So from that standpoint, the substance of Obamacare has yet to be tested. And to the extent it has been tested, it has been a success."
新闻播报译文
继续关注医疗保健网站
政府医疗保健网站启动两个月后，这个问题丛生的网站仍然是一项进行中的工作，尽管奥巴马总统几周前作出过保证。
奥巴马说：“到这个月底，我们预计这个网站将会以它应有的方式工作。”
支付得起的医保法在备受困扰的情况下推出，对于被视为擅长科技的政府来说，是一大难堪。
奥巴马总统说：“毫无疑问，支付得起的医保法的推出比我们预想的要艰难得多。但我希望在这里的每个人都明白：我将自始至终盯着解决这个事情”。
奥巴马总统的支持率最近几个星期有所下降，而从一开始就反对奥巴马医保的国会共和党人振奋起来。
共和党众议员凯文·麦卡锡众议员说：“我不相信你能修订好这个法律，来降低成本，增加人们获得保健的途径。我们必须放弃它，重新开始。”
可是民主党众议员斯滕尼·霍耶说：“我不认为奥巴马医保法失败了。”跟霍耶一样的民主党议员们继续为这个法律辩护。民主党众议员斯滕尼·霍耶说：“获得奥巴马医保的途径在这个时间点上是失败的。它需要修订。所以从这个角度来看，奥巴马医保法的实质内容还有待检验。在已经验证过的范围内，这个法律还是成功的。
新闻语言点睛
1. be supposed to 被期望或被要求（按规则﹑惯例等）做某事
例句 They were supposed to be here an hour ago.
他们应该在一小时以前到达这里。
2. regard as 认为，视为
例句 She's generally regarded as a nuisance.
大家都很讨厌她。
3. access to 接近，进入（某地的）方法
例句 Free access to secret information should be avoided.
机密资料的随意接触应该避免。
新闻背景导读
美国联邦政府的2014财年已经从10月1日开始，由于美国民主、共和两党就奥巴马医改分歧仍旧无法弥合，国会没有就预算达成一致。白宫下令联邦政府机构关闭，为17年来首次。除国家安全等基本职能外，很多部门受影响，预计约1/3的联邦政府雇员停工，经济损失数十亿美元。这次政府关闭的原因主要是因为众议院内的共和党人不顾奥巴马总统的反对，试图通过给政府预算附加条件来阻挠“奥巴马医改法案”，以达到延迟或削减《合理医疗费用法》经费的目的，而民主党人占多数的参议院则拒绝了众议院的法案。医改法本身的预算不受政府年度预算的影响，所以民主党人认为共和党人的捆绑做法十分“肮脏”，他们要的是一个“干净”的预算案。
新闻词汇热身
shutdown n. 关闭，停摆
federal adj. 联邦（制）的，联邦政府的
inflict v. 使遭受，使承担
scope n. 范围
analyst n. 分析家
paycheck n. 薪水
potential adj. 潜在的
mortgage n. 抵押，抵押借款
negotiate v. 协商
compromise n. 妥协，折中
immigration n. 移民
正点新闻播报
Deal Reopens Government, Extends Debt Limit
Late Wednesday night, the United States Congress approved a deal to end a partial government shutdown . The deal also increases the nation's debt limit. President Obama signed the bill into law shortly after midnight. The shutdown lasted 16 days and affected hundreds of thousands of federal employees. It was the first shutdown in 17 years.
However, the deal to reopen the government will only pay for operations through January 15. And it only extends the debt limit until February 7. Extending the debt limit will let the government borrow enough money to pay for programs already approved by Congress.
The Treasury Department said the limit needed to rise by October 17 so that the United States could borrow enough money to pay all its bills.
The shutdown began October 1 after House Republicans linked passage of a spending bill to an effort to block the health care law.
President Obama noted "The last few weeks have inflicted completely, unnecessary damage on our economy. We don't know yet the full scope of the damage, but every analyst out there believes it slowed our growth. We know that families have gone without paychecks or services they depend on. We know that potential home buyers have gotten fewer mortgages and small business loans have been put on hold. We know that consumers have cut back on spending and that half of all CEOs say that the shutdown and the threat of shutdown set back their plans to hire over the next six months."
As part of the deal, House and Senate leaders have appointed a joint budget committee to negotiate a compromise spending plan. The goal is to reach an agreement by December 13.
President Obama says, "We've got to get out of the habit of governing by crisis." He says with the shutdown over, attention should now turn to long-term budget concerns and issues like passing an immigration reform bill.
新闻播报译文
美国政府结束停摆并提高债务限额
周三晚上，美国国会批准了一项协议，结束了政府部分停摆。该协议还提高了美国的债务限额。奥巴马总统在午夜后不久将之签署为法律。这次停摆历时16天，影响到数十万联邦雇员，它也是近17年以来美国政府首次停摆。
然而，政府重新开门的协议只承担明年1月15日前的政府运营费用，并扩大债务限额至明年2月7日。扩大债务限额将使得政府能筹够资金支付国会已经批准的项目。
美国财政部曾表示，该限额必须在10月17日提高，这样美国才能筹足资金支付其所有账单。
这次政府停摆始于10月1日，众议院共和党将通过开支法案与阻止医疗保健法联系起来。
奥巴马说：“最近几个星期，我国经济遭受了完全没有必要的损失。我们还不清楚损失整体达到了什么程度，但每一位分析人士都认为我们的增长被延缓。我们知道，家家户户得不到他们所依靠的薪资支票或服务。我们知道，准备买房的人得到的抵押贷款缩减，企业贷款被停发。我们知道，消费者削减了支出，半数公司首席执行官表示，政府停摆及停摆的危险导致他们推迟今后6个月的雇人计划。”
作为协议的一部分，参、众两院领导人已经任命了一个联合预算委员会，就一项折中的支出方案进行磋商。其目标是在12月13日前达成协议。
奥巴马总统说：“我们必须摆脱危机执政的习惯。”他表示，随着政府停摆结束，美国应该将注意力转向长期预算问题，以及通过移民改革法案等问题。
新闻语言点睛
1. hundreds of thousands of 几十万，无数
例句 There will be hundreds of thousands of spectators.
到时将有数十万的人观看比赛。
2. approved by 经……批准
例句 After the amendment is approved by these committees, it goes the floors of the senate and the house.
修正案得到这些委员会的批准后，付参议院和众议院表决。
3. put on hold 搁置，暂停
例句 His singing career has been put on hold.
他的歌唱事业已经暂时搁浅。
4. cut back 削减，缩减
例句 Ford decided to cut back drastically.
福特公司决定大幅度裁员。
5. set back 延缓，阻碍
例句 Financial problems have set back our building program.
财务问题延误了我们的建设计划。
6. reach an agreement 达成协议
例句 I am glad we've reached an agreement on price.
很高兴我们能就价格问题达成协议。
7. get out of 逃避，改掉
例句 Smoking is a habit she can not get out of.
她抽烟成瘾，戒不掉了。
新闻背景导读
美国宇航局的好奇（Curiosity）号火星探测器是一个汽车大小的火星遥控设备。它是美国第四个火星探测器，也是第一辆采用核动力驱动的火星车，其使命是探寻火星上的生命元素，探测火星气候及地质，探测盖尔撞击坑内的环境是否能够支持生命，探测火星上的水，及研究日后人类探索的可行性。。2011年11月26日23时2分，好奇号火星探测器发射成功，顺利进入飞往火星的轨道。2012年8月6日成功降落在火星表面，展开为期两年的火星探测任务。2013年10月1日，受美国联邦政府非核心部门“停摆”影响，媒体说美国航天已进入“休眠”状态，有报道称，正在火星上的“好奇”号火星车已进入“保护模式”。
新闻词汇热身
anniversary n. 周年纪念（日）
exploration n. 探险，研究
rover n. 流浪者
ancient adj. 古代的
planetary adj. 行星的
division n. 部门
ingredient n. 组成部分，成分
habitable adj. 适于居住的
instrument n. 仪器，器械
hydrogen n. 氢
正点新闻播报
Mars Rover Marks First Year on Red Planet
This week marks the first anniversary of a major exploration effort on Mars. It has been 12 months since the exploration device called "Curiosity" landed on the distant planet. Curiosity is named for the human condition of wanting to learn or know something.
The United States space agency, NASA, says Curiosity has driven more than 1.6 kilometers on Mars. The device, called a " rover ," is about the size of a car.
Curiosity has found evidence of an ancient riverbed and other signs of wet conditions. NASA scientists say that with these discoveries, Curiosity has answered the question of whether conditions on ancient Mars could have supported life.
Jim Green leads the planetary division at NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
"We found all the ingredients of life as measured in this material that's deposited in this ancient riverbed. Mars was habitable in its past."
Curiosity is a traveling laboratory that contains 10 scientific instruments . The rover has found hydrogen , oxygen and other elements necessary for life.
The space agency says Curiosity has fired more than 75,000 laser shots. The laser turns rocks and soil into gas. The equipment on Curiosity then examines and identifies the materials on the Martian surface.
Curiosity has sent back more than 70,000 images that give a new understanding of Earth's neighboring planet.
Curiosity's findings will help set future Mars exploration. NASA's Jim Green says the next mission will be launched in 2020.
新闻播报译文
“好奇号”登陆火星一周年
本周标志着一项重大火星探测计划一周年。距“好奇号”探索器在遥远的星球登陆已时隔一年。“好奇号”体现了人类好学求知的状态。
美国国家航空航天局表示“好奇号”在火星上行驶了1600米。好奇号也被称为“漫游者”，其大小近似于一辆汽车。
“好奇号”发现了古河床存在的证明及其它湿润环境的迹象。美国国家航空航天局称凭借这些发现，“好奇号”足以解答远古火星上的环境是否适合生命生存的问题。
Jim Green是美国国家航空航天局科学任务理事会理事长。“通过检测沉积在古河床的物质，我们发现了生命的所有成分。火星以前是适合居住的。”
“好奇号”是一间配备了10种科学仪器的移动实验室。“漫游者”已经发现了氢、氧和其它生命必需元素。
航空航天局称“好奇号”已发射75000多次激光。激光将岩石和土壤转化为气体。之后，“好奇号”实验室里的仪器检测和确定火星表面的物质。
“好奇号”已发回七万多张图像，让人们对地球邻近星球——火星有了全新的认识。
“好奇号”的发现对未来制定火星探索计划有所帮助。美国国家航空航天局Jim Green表示下一次任务将于2020年启动。
新闻语言点睛
1. land on 着陆
例句 Man's first landing on the moon was a feat of great daring.
人类首次登月是一个勇敢的壮举。
2. be named for 被称为
例句 Glacier national park is named for the glaciers that produced its landscape.
冰川国家公园之名源自于其冰河景色。
3. answer the question 回答问题
例句 Don't give him any hints when he answers the question.
在他回答问题时，不要给他提示。
新闻背景导读
伊朗核问题六国即美国、俄罗斯、英国、法国、中国五个联合国安全理事会常任理事国加德国。24日，双方达成为期6个月的初步协议。白宫发布的情况说明文件显示，在这6个月里，伊朗不得从事丰度5%以上的铀浓缩；5%以上的浓缩铀以稀释等方式“处理”，以防用于制造核武器；伊方不得扩建或新建铀浓缩设施；可用于提取核武器材料钚的阿拉克重水反应堆停止建设；伊朗允许国际原子能机构核查人员进入更多设施。与此同时，伊核问题六国不再对伊追加制裁；暂停对伊贵金属、汽车零部件和石化制品的禁运；允许少量伊朗石油出口；解冻伊朗留学生资金；放宽对伊食品和药品进口限制。参加伊朗核问题初步协议谈判的国际官员说，这是确保伊朗成为无核国家、世界更加安全的第一步。但是，这样一来，伊朗经济也有可能不再受到制裁，而经济强劲的伊朗可能在区域问题上发挥更多的干预作用，令西方国家产生新的担忧。
新闻词汇热身
sanction n. 国际制裁（常用复数）
shrink v. 收缩
moderate adj. 温和的
mandate v. 批准
stability n. 稳定，稳固
assessment n. 估计，评估
obviously adv. 明显地，显而易见地
intervention n. 介入，干涉，干预
perception n. 观念，看法
motivation n. 动机，目的
conflict n. 冲突
正点新闻播报
Iran Nuclear Pact Sets New Dynamics in Motion
Before the sanctions , Iran's economy was growing at about six percent a year. Now it is shrinking , as the sanctions cost it five billion dollars a month.
Feeling the burden of these measures, Iran's people elected the relatively moderate candidate, Hassan Rouhani, as president, with a mandate to end the sanctions. And his foreign minister was greeted as a hero when he returned from the talks.
But that means giving up much of the nuclear program, a huge point of pride for many Iranians.
In return, they could get a weapon they can use — a stronger economy.
"The main priority will be to ensure that the economic issue doesn't become a risk in terms of stability ," said Iran analyst Torbjorn Soltvedt of the Maplecroft risk assessment firm. "But obviously an economically stronger Iran, you could see it play a more active regional role."
Although not as dangerous as a nuclear weapon, a more active intervention policy would still cause concern for Iran's adversaries in the region and in the West.
But a final nuclear accord, due in six months, could improve Iran's international relations and make what Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group calls its "forward defense policy" less important.
"A nuclear agreement can reduce Iran's threat perception ," Vaez said. "It will have less motivation to support groups in the region that could basically serve as a way of extending conflict away from its borders."
Iran has worked hard over many years and at great expense to build its nuclear program. Iranian leaders say the program is for peaceful purposes, like energy and research. Now, if they prove it to the international community, they could get their economy back, opening the opportunity for better, or worse, international relations.
新闻播报译文
伊朗核协议将带来新关切
在国际制裁之前，伊朗经济每年以6%的速度增长。但是，现在的伊朗经济在萎缩，因为制裁导致伊朗每个月损失50亿美元。
伊朗人感受到了制裁措施带来的负担，他们选出了相对温和的鲁哈尼出任总统，并授权他结束制裁。当外交部长从会议归来时，受到了英雄般的欢迎。
但是，这意味着伊朗将放弃大部分的核项目，而这对很多伊朗人来说，是他们巨大的自豪之源。
相反，他们可以获得另外一种可使用武器。那就是更加强劲的经济。
伊朗分析人士、英国风险评估公司梅普尔克罗夫特公司的托尔比约恩·邵尔特威特说：“最亟待解决的问题是，确保经济问题不会对稳定构成风险。但是，很明显一个经济更加强劲的伊朗，将会在区域问题上扮演更活跃的一个角色。”
虽然不会像拥有核武器那么危险，但是，伊朗如果采取更加活跃的干预政策，这会让伊朗在区域以及西方的敌手感到担忧。
但是，六个月之后，最终核协议的签署将会改善伊朗的国际关系。国际危机组织的阿里·瓦埃兹说，这样，伊朗所谓的“提前防御政策”就变得不那么重要了。
多年来，伊朗一直非常努力，并且也付出了相当的代价来发展核项目。伊朗领导人说，他们的核项目是为了发展能源和进行研究等和平目的。现在，如果他们向国际社会证明，他们可以让经济重回轨道。他们因此打开新的局面，改善国际关系否则将使局势更加恶化。
新闻语言点睛
1. return from 返回，回来
例句 They have just returned from their travels.
她们刚旅行回来。
2. give up 放弃
例句 We'll never give up until the goal is reached.
不达目的，决不罢休。
3. in return 作为回报，作为报答
例句 He was always ready to help others, in return, he was liked by everyone.
他总是乐于助人，作为回报，大家都喜欢他。
4. in terms of 按照，从……方面来说
例句 It can not be measured in terms of money.
这是不能用金钱衡量的。
5. play a … role 扮演……角色
例句 Schools play an important role in society.
学校在社会中扮演着重要的角色。
在收听VOA英语广播的过程中，听众时常会碰到许多数字，这是我国英语学习者的一大难关，四位数以上的数字更是如此。原因是英汉两种语言的计数单位不完全一样。它们的最大区别是：汉语中有“万”和“亿”这两个计数单位，英语没有；而英语的million（百万）和billion（十亿）这两个计数单位，汉语里却是在它们的前面加上十，百，千而构成的复合计数单位，于是形成了英汉数字的不同表示法。
怎样才能克服这一困难，做到准确无误地听记英语新闻中出现的数字呢？根据我们的收听实践，发现采取以下步骤，比较容易听记：
1）根据美国英语中每逢四位数就要变更计数单位的规则，记数时采用国际习惯每隔三位数用一逗号分开，即1000以上的数：先从后向前数，每三位数加一“，”，第一个“，”号前为thousand，第二个“，”号前为million，第三个“，”号前为billion（在英国英语国家中为thousand million），然后一节一节表示。
2）以trillion，billion，million和thousand为中心，收听时集中注意力听清楚是多少个trillion，多少个billion，多少个million和多少个thousand，及时记下并在它们的后面分别用“，”分开，没有具体数字的就打上“0”。当然trillion的前面还有一些更大的计数词，其规律都是一样的。
新闻背景导读
美国将于10月1日中午12点01分进入2014年财政年度，但由于政治博弈，共和党控制的众议院与民主党占多数席位的参议院迟迟未能就新的财政年度预算达成一致，特别是在“奥巴马医改法案”方面，双方更是僵持不下。9月20日，众议院通过临时预算议案，决定自10月1日起继续为联邦机构提供运作资金至12月15日，但拒绝为“奥巴马医改法案”拨款。根据立法程序，该议案还需得到参议院通过并送交奥巴马签署后才能生效。9月27日，参议院通过其临时预算案，除删除有关禁止向医改法案拨款的内容，还将临时预算案的到期日缩短至11月15日。9月29日凌晨，众议院又通过新版本的预算案，要求将“奥巴马医改法案”延期一年并废除医疗器械税收法案，将“皮球”再次踢向参议院。
新闻词汇热身
fiscal adj. 国库的，（政府）财政的
trillion n. 一万亿
federal adj. 联邦（制）的，联邦政府的
blueprint n. 蓝图
congressional adj. 会议的；国（议）会的
halfway n. 半途，中间
entitlement n. 授权，命名
independent adj. 独立的
cancellation n. 取消
presidential adj. 总统的，统辖的
compromise n. 妥协，折中
正点新闻播报
Obama Administration Proposes Federal Budget
This week, the Obama administration released a budget plan for the 2014 fiscal year. The plan calls for three trillion 770 billion dollars in federal spending during the year beginning in October.
President Barack Obama calls the proposal, "a fiscally responsible blueprint " for middle class jobs and economic growth. The budget is his attempt to move closer to a "grand bargain" he sought in debt and deficit reduction talks with Republican Party lawmakers.The plan includes one-point-eight trillion dollars in deficit reduction over 10 years. It also adds two-point- five trillion dollars in savings the president says have already been realized. This would bring total savings to four-point-three trillion dollars.
To become law, the president's budget would require congressional approval, which political experts say is unlikely. His budget would replace tens of billions of dollars in required spending cuts.
President Obama, who is a Democrat, says he has gone more than halfway to meet concerns of Republican lawmakers who have resisted tax increases.
House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, a Republican, gives Mr. Obama credit for seeking more savings from Social Security and other big entitlement programs. But he says the president's proposals are another attempt to increase taxes.
Another critic, Senator Bernie Sanders, is an independent . He says the proposal is a cancellation of a promise Mr. Obama made as a presidential candidate.
"When Barack Obama was running for president in 2008, he said that he would not cut Social Security."
Mr. Obama defended his Social Security offer and changes to Medicare, the health insurance program for older adults and Americans with disabilities. But he says any compromise must not hurt Americans who depend on these programs.
新闻播报译文
奥巴马政府提出的联邦预算
这个星期，奥巴马政府发布了2014年的财政预算计划。这项预算中，从10月份开始联邦政府的开支算将达37700亿元。奥巴马总统对中产阶级的就业和经济增长提出了一项可靠的财政蓝图。对该项预算他努力试着折中。他和共和党立法人讨论了债务和削减赤字。这项预算包括了超过10年的0.8万亿元的赤字削减少。总统说，预算里增加2.5万亿元的储蓄已经实现。这将使总储蓄量达4.3万亿元。
政治专家说，总统的预算要形成法律需要国会批准，这是不太可能的。他的预算要取代数百亿支出削减。
作为民主党派的奥巴马总统说，他已经尽量满足了共和党议员反对增税的要求。
身为众议院议长的共和党员约翰·博纳相信奥巴马先生能从社会保障和其他津贴方案中寻求更多的储蓄。但他又说，总统的提议是另一种增税企图。
另外一位无党派的评论家，参议员伯尼·桑德斯说，这项提议违背了奥巴马作为总统候选人时的承诺。
“当奥巴马在2008年竞选总统时，他说他不会削减社会保障。”奥巴马先生为有关老年人和美国残疾人的社会保障福利和医疗保险和健康保险规划的改变做辩护。他说任何折中方案都不能损害这些美国人的利益。
新闻语言点睛
1. call for 要求，需要
例句 The problem calls for immediate solution.
这个问题非马上解决不可。
2. attempt to do sth. 尝试做某事
例句 She will attempt to beat the world record.
她决心要打破世界纪录。
3. in debt 欠债，负债
例句 His extravagance kept him always in debt.
他的挥霍无度使他常常负债。
4. depend on 取决于
例句 It would depend on your life today.
那要看你现在的生活怎么样。
新闻背景导读
世界银行（WBG）是世界银行集团的俗称，成立于1945年12月27日，1946年6月开始营业。凡是参加世界银行的国家必须首先是国际货币基金组织的会员国。“世界银行”这个名称一直是用于指国际复兴开发银行（IBRD）和国际开发协会（IDA）。这些机构联合向发展中国家提供低息贷款、无息信贷和赠款。它是一个国际组织，其一开始的使命是帮助第二次世界大战中被破坏的国家的重建。今天它的任务是资助国家摆脱穷困，其各机构在减轻贫困和提高人民生活水平的使命中发挥了独特的作用。
新闻词汇热身
fragile adj. 脆弱的
uncertain adj. 不定的；不可靠的
recovery n. 恢复
expansion n. 扩大，扩张
financial adj. 财政的，金融的
infrastructure n. 结构，基础设施
assistance n. 帮助，援助
正点新闻播报
World Bank Makes Predictions for Global Economy
The World Bank released its Global Economic Prospects report this week. World Bank experts are using the words " fragile " and "uncertain " to describe the economic recovery this year.
The report predicts the international economy will grow a little over two percent in 2013. Slightly greater economic expansion is expected in 2014 and 2015.
Predictions of limited growth have become familiar since the financial crisis four years ago. Wealthy countries are expected to have slower growth than developing ones as they deal with larger amounts of debt and big budget deficits.
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim is urging developing countries to become drivers of growth. But he notes that it is important to build a foundation for growth that can last over time.
He said, "What we are suggesting is that we cannot wait for the return growth in the high income countries. We really need developing countries to think about setting the stage for medium-and longterm growth. We have to continue to support developing countries in making investments in infrastructure , in health, in education."
The World Bank notes that budget deficits are decreasing in most other high-income nations. But these nations continue to carry a lot of debt compared to the size of their economies.
Developing countries are positioned for stronger growth. But they will face basic risks to economic progress over the next few years. World Bank chief Kim said he is concerned that low supplies of important grains, such as wheat and corn, could bring high food prices, hurting the poor.
The World Bank offers knowledge, assistance and loans to developing countries. Economic conditions in high-income nations affect the developing world because they are the largest and most developed markets for exports. Such nations are also the providers of investment that can fuel economic growth.
新闻播报译文
世界银行关于全球经济做出预测
这个星期，世界银行发布了《全球经济展望》报道。世行专家用了“脆弱”和“渺茫”两个词来形容今年的经济复苏。
该报道预测国际经济在2013年增长将超过2%，预计在2014与2015年出现略微更大的经济扩张。
从4年前的金融危机以来，关于有限增长的预测已经变得耳熟。富裕国家将比发展中国家发展更慢，因为他们要处理更大数量的债务和高预算赤字。世行行长金墉要求发展中国家变成发展的动力，但他强调，构建一个能长期持续发展的基础也很重要。
他说，“我们的建议是，不能去等高收入国家恢复增长，而是真的需要那些发展中国家来思考为中、长期发展建立一个平台。我们要在基础设施、健康和教育等方面投资继续支持发展中国家。”
世界银行指出，在大多数其他的高收入国家中，预算赤字正在逐渐减少。但与他们的经济规模相比，这些国家还是继续背负着很大的债务。
发展中国家被定位为会有更强劲的增长势头，但他们也将在未来几年中面临一些经济发展的基本风险。世界银行长官金姆说，他担心像小麦、玉米这些重要谷物的低供应会使食品价格上涨，伤害到穷人。
世界银行会提供知识、援助和贷款给发展中国家。高收入国家中的经济状况之所以会影响到发展中世界是因为对于出口商品来说，他们是最大和最发达的市场。这样的国家也是可以刺激经济增长的投资供应商。
新闻语言点睛
1. deal with 处理
例句 We have a heavy correspondence to deal with.
我们有大批信件待处理。
2. budget deficit 预算赤字
例句 We have to attack the budget deficit and other economic problems.
我们要着手解决预算赤字及其他经济问题。
3. wait for 等待
例句 We are waiting for a more prosperous moment.
我们在等待更有利的时刻。
4. make investment in 在……方面投资
例句 The Postal Service has made a large investment in new technology.
邮政系统在新技术上投入很多。
5. compared to 比较，与……相比
例句 Compared to me, he is rich.
跟我比起来，他算有钱。
新闻背景导读
国际金融危机的爆发使美国政府赤字大幅度上升，举债度日成为家常便饭，国债纪录屡创新高。截至2010年9月30日，美国联邦政府债务余额为13.58万亿美元，占GDP约为94%，同年年底一举突破14万亿美元。2011年2月22日，在可供发债余额仅剩2180亿美元的时候，美国国会未就提高上限达成一致。终于在2011年5月，美国国债触顶，开创了14.29万亿美元的历史新高。面对这种情况，美国财长盖特纳忧心忡忡。他表示，由于采取了一些紧急措施以维持借债能力，美国政府支付开支最多能延迟到2013年8月2日。到了2013年8月2日，政府若不提高债务上限或削减开支，就会开始债务违约，无法偿还美国国债券本金和利息，这种情况可能让国际金融市场陷入混乱。
新闻词汇热身
ceiling n. 最高限度，最大限额
dispute v. 争论，争吵
negotiate v. 洽谈，协商
periodically adv. 偶然地，定期地
bond n. 债券
security n. 安全，保障
正点新闻播报
Investors Concerned About US Debt Ceiling Crisis
There has been a lot of talk about the debt ceiling in the United States. The debt ceiling is a legal limit on the amount of money the federal government can borrow. Political disputes over that amount have concerned investors in recent weeks.
Alexander Gelber is an assistant professor of public policy at the University of California in Berkeley. He says American lawmakers must negotiate a new debt ceiling everytime the federal debt reaches that legal limit.
"The debt ceiling is a limit on the amount that US Treasury can borrow, and that limit needs to be raised by congress periodically ."
National debt is necessary when a government spends more money than it has available. Governments offer bonds and other investments to raise money to pay for the spending. In return, the government promises to repay investors who buy the securities .
Other nations buy United States Treasury department securities because they are considered the safest investment in the world. The partial shutdown of the federal government led to worldwide concern about the safety of these investments.
Professor Gelber says the possibility of the United States failing to pay its debts caused concern around the world.
新闻播报译文
投资者担心美国债务上限危机
很多人都在谈论美国的债务上限。债务上限是指联邦政府允许借款的法定限额。最近几周就这一限额的政治争议令投资者深感担忧。
亚历山大·盖尔伯是加州大学伯克利分校公共政策助理教授。他说，每次联邦债务触及该法定限额时，美国国会都必须重新商定新的债务上限。
“债务上限是指美国财政部允许借款的限额，该限额必须由国会定期提高。”
当政府开支超出可用资金时就必须发行国债。政府发行债券和其它投资募集资金用于支付开销。作为回报，政府承诺偿付买入债券的投资者。
其他国家购买美国财政部债券，是因为它们被认为是全球最安全的投资。联邦政府的部分停摆导致全球开始担心这些投资的安全性。
盖尔伯教授表示，美国政府无法偿付债务的可能性引发了全球的关注。
新闻语言点睛
1. on the amount of ……的数量
例句 We must cut down on the amount of material we use.
我们必须削减原料使用量。
2. raise money 集资，筹款
例句 Corporations can sell stock as a way to raise money.
企业可以通过出售股票来集资。
3. pay for 付……的款
例句 Who will find the money to pay for this trip?
谁来筹措旅费？
4. lead to 导致
例句 Problems always lead to other problems.
有些问题总是连带着另外的问题。
5. the possibility of ……的可能性
例句 They could not conceive of the possibility of failure.
他们不能设想失败的可能性。
新闻背景导读
在欧盟内部开始的马拉松式峰会上，欧盟各国领导人最终达成一致，将2014至2020年欧盟财政预算的上限定为9600亿欧元（约合1.3万亿美元），比过去7年减少3个百分点。这是欧盟历史上首次预算削减。欧盟理事会主席范龙佩周五表示，这一协议是经过两天的协商后达成的。欧盟一位高级官员称，未来7年预算的最终数字是9600亿欧元，远低于欧盟委员会最早提出的1.03万亿欧元。此项协议尚须获得欧盟议会批准，而后者此前已暗示不可以接受这样大幅的预算削减。
新闻词汇热身
multiannual adj. 多年的
framework n. 框架；参照标准
represent v. 代表
vulnerable adj. 易受伤的，脆弱的
intact adj. 完整无缺的，未受损伤的
external adj. 外部的，外面的
vital adj. 极其重要的
predictable adj. 可预知的
threaten v. 威胁
正点新闻播报
EU Agrees to 113 Trillion Budget
European Union countries have struggled to find common ground as they worked out a budget agreement in Belgium this month. European leaders finally had success last week. They agreed on the European Union's multiannual financial framework , or MFF, for the period from 2014 to 2020.
The MFF sets the EU's total spending at $1.3 trillion. That represents one percent of the total income of EU members. Members agreed to reduce total spending by over three percent for the period. This is the first time spending cuts have been made.
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy spoke after the agreement was announced. He said the compromise budget may not be perfect. But he said it should help all EU members.
"Our support to the most vulnerable people remains intact , so does our external action funding even despite the crisis. This budget will allow Europe to keep engaging on vital global issues such as climate change, nuclear safety and development aid."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised the long-term spending plan. She said the agreement makes policy more predictable and enables members to act in the interest of Europe.
Some EU leaders have been calling for greater spending controls in their home countries. They wanted the EU to show that it is willing to cut costs.
British Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed the agreement. Before the two-day meeting, he had threatened to veto the budget if there were no steps toward cutting spending.
新闻播报译文
欧盟达成113万亿美元预算
欧盟国家一直在努力寻找共同点。本月，他们在比利时达成了一项预算协议。上周，欧盟领导人终于取得了成功。他们在欧盟2014年到2020年期间的多年度金融框架（简称MFF）上取得了一致。
MFF设定欧盟总支出为1.3万亿美元，这一数字代表着欧盟成员国总收入的1%。各成员国同意在此期间，把总支出降低3%以上。这是欧盟成员国首次作出削减开支的决定。
欧洲理事会主席范龙佩在协议公布后发表了讲话。他说，这项妥协预算可能并不完美，但它对所有欧盟成员国应该会有所帮助。
他说，“我们对弱势群体的支持仍然保持不变，包括我们的对外行动拨款，哪怕是在经济危机中。这项预算方案将会使欧盟继续介入一些关键的全球性问题，如气候变化、核安全以及发展援助。”
德国总理默克尔称赞了这一长期支出计划。她表示，该协议使得政策更具可预测性，成员国也得以在欧洲利益上采取行动。
一些欧盟领导人一直呼吁在本国进行更大规模的支出控制。他们希望欧盟表明其削减支出的意愿。
英国首相卡梅伦对该协议表示了欢迎。在这次为期两天的会议之前，他曾威胁如果没有迈出削减支出的步伐，他就要投票否决这一预算方案。
新闻语言点睛
1. work out 解决
例句 I could work out that problem standing on my head.
我解决那个问题易如反掌。
2. agree on 对……意见一致
例句 Both parties agreed on these terms.
双方同意这些条件。
3. agree to 同意，赞同，达成一致
例句 Under no circumstance can we agree to this.
我们绝对不能同意这一点。
新闻背景导读
总部在香港的政经风险顾问公司日前就亚洲13个国家和经济体的政治、经济和金融制度中的腐败现象进行了综合评估。结果显示，菲律宾超过了过去5年连续被评为最腐败国家的印度尼西亚，成为该地区腐败现象最严重的国家。紧随其后的印度尼西亚和泰国并列第二。政经顾问公司的报告认为，东亚和东南亚是目前世界经济增长最快的区域，但法制不健全和腐败严重，则是可能影响区域经济持续发展的重要因素。
新闻词汇热身
corruption n. 腐化；贪污
bribe n. 贿赂，行贿物
estimate v. 估计，估量
competition n. 竞争
profitable a. 有利可图的，有益的
headline n. 新闻提要
tackle v. 对付，交涉
supervision n. 管理，监督
enforcement n. 实施，执行
正点新闻播报
Corruption in Asia Slows Economic Growth
Many Thais joined protests in Bangkok last year. They urged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to deal with growing corruption in Thailand. A 79-year old businessman noted the rising cost of doing business, including giving bribes to Thai officials.
How much economic activity is lost to corruption can be difficult to estimate . The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce studied the issue. The university found that over two percent of national production, or about 1. billion dollars, will likely be lost to corruption this year. It found that many business people who were questioned said they are paying more to Thai officials and politicians to win government contracts. Political economist Pasuk Pongpaichit says there is evidence officials are making progress in controlling lower level corruption. But, she says, the slowing world economy means growing competition for profitable deals with the government.
Bandid Nijathaworn is a former central bank official and president of the Thai Institute of Directors. He says corruption in Thailand appears to be more of a problem now than 10 years ago.
"Corruption is a global problem. You know, you see corruption appearing as headlines in many, many countries. So it has become a global issue both in national organization and individual country's governments trying to tackle it."
Shervin Majlessi is with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. He says given Asia's growing influence in the world economy there is a need for more supervision .
In 2003, the United Nations passed a Convention against Corruption. In South East Asia, Burma approved the agreement last December — the last to do so of the 10 member Association of South East Asian Nations. Observers say the fight against corruption needs to go beyond law enforcement , and include non-government and private industry groups.
新闻播报译文
亚洲腐败拖累经济增长
去年许多泰国人在曼谷举行抗议，他们敦促总理英拉·西那瓦处理泰国日益猖狂的腐败案。一位79岁的商人称商业的成本在上升，包括要给泰国官员贿赂。
很难估算腐败造成多少经济损失，泰国商会大学研究了这个问题，他们发现今年有2%以上的国民生产可能因腐败而损失掉，相当于110亿美元。研究发现，许多接受调查的商人说，他们会向泰国官员和政客多送点贿赂来赢得政府合约。政治经济学家蓬沛齐特说，有证据显示官方在控制低水平腐败上取得进展，但是她说，世界经济放缓意味着商人需要更加激烈地竞争政府那有利可图的交易。
班迪德·尼加萨温是央行前行长，也是泰国企业董事联合会主席，他说早在10年前泰国的腐败就成问题了。
“腐败是个全球问题，很多国家的新闻头条都有腐败报道。所以这已成为全球问题，无论是全国性组织还是各国政府都在努力予以解决。”
Shervin Majlessi就职于联合国毒品与犯罪办公室，他说考虑到亚洲在全世界经济的影响力日益上升，有必要加强监管。
2003年，联合国通过一项反腐协定。在东南亚，缅甸去年12月通过该协定，是东盟10个成员国中最后签署协定的国家。观察家称要打击腐败，不仅需要法律支持，还需要非政府和商业组织参与。
新闻语言点睛
1. make progress 进步，进展
例句 He has made progress in every aspect.
他在各方面都有起色。
2. a need for 需要
例句 There is a need for academic rigor in approaching this problem.
处理这个问题需要学术上的严谨。
3. fight against 和……作斗争
例句 His whole life is a fight against poverty and unemployment.
他的一生是与贫苦和失业斗争的一生。
在收听VOA新闻广播中，听众会遇到大量的专有名词（包括地名、人名、建筑物名、机构和条约名等），给理解增加了难度。其中地名常表示事件的发生地、消息来源或代表某国政府；人名是事件的当事者或发言人；机构、条约和建筑物名常用来代表一定的组织机构和政府。这些专有名词对听众理解新闻起着重要作用。那么初学者在收听过程中应该怎样处理众多的专有名词呢？我们认为，总的原则是：就大不就小，分清主次，辨明从属。现分述如下：
地名主要指大洲、大洋、海域、河流、岛屿、国家及其首都名，还有历史名城，国际会议城，各国下属的州、省、邦名等。这些地名在新闻广播中使用的频率较高，可以说每一个节目中，甚至每一条新闻中都会涉及到几个。
人名主要指各国的主要领导人（包括国王、国家元首、政府首脑、外交部长、国防部长、各部门的新闻发言人等），各大国际组织的头号人物以及一些重要的新闻人物（包括在野党首要领导，反对派领导人等）。人名和地名一样，出现频率极高。但是人名一般都比地名要长，而且有的非英语国家的人名特别难记，有的则和汉语译名的读音“风马牛不相及”，如日本人的名字，初学者想记住他们是要花大气力的。