Obama Urges Congress to Put Americans First

 　　President Barack Obama says it is time for members of Congress to put aside political brinksmanship in order to boost the United States' sluggish¹ economic recovery and create more jobs.

　　During his weekly address Saturday, Obama said too many Americans are struggling to get by.  He said Congress should extend payroll² tax cuts that save the average American family $1,000 a year.

　　President Obama says there is no excuse for "inaction," and he believes Congress will find common ground to move the country forward.

　　In the Republican Party's weekly address, Senator Pat Toomey blamed the Obama administration's policies for the economic stalemate and slow job growth in the United States.

　　Toomey said too many government regulations have discouraged businesses from hiring.

1 sluggish   

adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的

参考例句：

• This humid heat makes you feel rather sluggish.这种湿热的天气使人感到懒洋洋的。
• Circulation is much more sluggish in the feet than in the hands.脚部的循环比手部的循环缓慢得多。

2 payroll   

n.工资表，在职人员名单，工薪总额

参考例句：

• His yearly payroll is $1.2 million.他的年薪是120万美元。
• I can't wait to get my payroll check.我真等不及拿到我的工资单了。