布什前往大西洋公约组织会议讲话(2008-03-31)

President Bush Departs for NATO Summit

 THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Laura and I are on our way to a very important NATO summit, and members of the United States Congress are on their way back to Washington. And they have a lot of work to do.
　　Congress needs to pass FISA reform. Our intelligence professionals are waiting on the Congress to give them the tools they need to monitor terrorist communications. Congress also needs to provide liability protection to companies that may have helped save lives after September the 11th, 2001.
　　Congress needs to pass legislation to modernize¹ the Federal Housing Administration. Struggling homeowners are waiting on Congress to act so that the FHA can help more Americans refinance their mortgages and stay in their homes.
　　Congress needs to act urgently to approve the Colombian Free Trade Agreement -- a courageous² ally in South America is waiting on Congress to approve an agreement that will strengthen our national security. American businesses, workers and farmers are waiting on Congress to level the playing field.
　　These are all vital priorities, and I ask members of both parties to get these important pieces of legislation to my desk as soon as possible.
　　Thank you very much.

1 modernize   

vt.使现代化，使适应现代的需要

参考例句：

• It was their manifest failure to modernize the country's industries.他们使国家进行工业现代化，明显失败了。
• There is a pressing need to modernise our electoral system.我们的选举制度迫切需要现代化。

2 courageous   

adj.勇敢的，有胆量的

参考例句：

• We all honour courageous people.我们都尊重勇敢的人。
• He was roused to action by courageous words.豪言壮语促使他奋起行动。