VOA常速英语2008年-Bush Signs Economic Stimulus Bill

By Paula Wolfson
White House
13 February 2008

President Bush has signed legislation designed to give the U.S. economy a boost.  VOA White House correspondent Paula Wolfson reports the stimulus¹ package includes tax rebates² and incentives³ for business investment.

The president signed the measure at a White House ceremony attended by lawmakers from both major political parties who helped get the bill through Congress in record time.

"A lot of folks in America were probably saying it is impossible for those of us in Washington to find common ground and to reach compromise on important issues," he said.  "I didn't feel that way. I know the leaders didn't feel that way.  And as a result we have come together on a single mission and that is to put the peoples' interest first."

The president acknowledged that the economy has hit a "rough patch."  He said it has had to absorb shocks such as corporate⁴ scandals and the high cost of waging war.  But he went on to stress, as he has many times in the past, that the foundation of the economy is strong.

"In a dynamic market economy there will always be times when we experience uncertainties⁵ and fluctuations," he added.  "So long as we pursue pro-growth policies that put faith in the American people, our economy will prosper⁶ and continue to be the marvel⁷ of the world."

The two-year stimulus package totals $168 billion, with most of the money, $152 billion, set aside for 2008.  President Bush said it is just large enough to have an impact.  He said the measure is robust⁸, temporary, and designed to put money into the hands of American workers and businesses.

1 stimulus   

n.刺激，刺激物，促进因素，引起兴奋的事物

参考例句：

• Regard each failure as a stimulus to further efforts.把每次失利看成对进一步努力的激励。
• Light is a stimulus to growth in plants.光是促进植物生长的一个因素。

2 rebates   

n.退还款( rebate的名词复数 )；回扣；返还（退还的部份货价）；折扣

参考例句：

• The VAT system offers advantages, such as rebates on exports. 增值税有其优点，如对出口商品实行回扣。 来自辞典例句
• In more recent years rate rebates have been introduced for households. 近年地方税的减免已适用于家庭。 来自辞典例句

3 incentives   

激励某人做某事的事物( incentive的名词复数 )； 刺激； 诱因； 动机

参考例句：

• tax incentives to encourage savings 鼓励储蓄的税收措施
• Furthermore, subsidies provide incentives only for investments in equipment. 更有甚者，提供津贴仅是为鼓励增添设备的投资。 来自英汉非文学 - 环境法 - 环境法

4 corporate   

adj.共同的，全体的；公司的，企业的

参考例句：

• This is our corporate responsibility.这是我们共同的责任。
• His corporate's life will be as short as a rabbit's tail.他的公司的寿命是兔子尾巴长不了。

5 uncertainties   

无把握( uncertainty的名词复数 )； 不确定； 变化不定； 无把握、不确定的事物

参考例句：

• One of the uncertainties of military duty is that you never know when you might suddenly get posted away. 任军职不稳定的因素之一是你永远不知道什么时候会突然被派往它处。
• Uncertainties affecting peace and development are on the rise. 影响和平与发展的不确定因素在增加。 来自汉英非文学 - 十六大报告

6 prosper   

v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣

参考例句：

• With her at the wheel,the company began to prosper.有了她当主管，公司开始兴旺起来。
• It is my earnest wish that this company will continue to prosper.我真诚希望这家公司会继续兴旺发达。

7 marvel   

vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事

参考例句：

• The robot is a marvel of modern engineering.机器人是现代工程技术的奇迹。
• The operation was a marvel of medical skill.这次手术是医术上的一个奇迹。

8 robust   

adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的

参考例句：

• She is too tall and robust.她个子太高，身体太壮。
• China wants to keep growth robust to reduce poverty and avoid job losses,AP commented.美联社评论道，中国希望保持经济强势增长，以减少贫困和失业状况。