VOA标准英语2013--Fed Chief Warns of Economic Headwinds From Budget Stalemate

（单词翻译）

Fed Chief Warns of Economic Headwinds From Budget Stalemate

With no progress in Washington to avoid looming¹ spending cuts, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned lawmakers that inaction would sharply slow U.S. economic growth.

"Moreover, besides having adverse² effects on jobs and incomes, a slower recovery would lead to less actual deficit³ reduction in the short run," said Bernanke.

Despite the high stakes, the action from Washington has been mostly - finger pointing.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner says it's time for the president and the Democratically controlled Senate to take the lead.

"The House has acted twice. We shouldn't have to act a third time before the Senate begins to do their work," said Boehner.

The automatic spending cuts, roughly three percent of the federal budget, would slash⁴ defense⁵ spending and affect government services from border security to meat inspections⁶.

The White House wants a more balanced approach that includes cuts and higher taxes.

But as it stands, President Barack Obama calls the sequester⁷ arbitrary and irresponsible.

"These cuts do not have to happen," said President Obama. "Congress can turn them off anytime with just a little bit of compromise.'

Republicans say the president is grandstanding.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal accused Obama of fear-mongering.

"The president needs to stop trying to scare the American people that, absolutely, you can cut less than three percent without all these awful consequences - without people losing access to critical vaccines⁸, without people, without us jeopardizing⁹ food inspections," said Jindal.

But economist¹⁰ William Gale¹¹ says Republicans' insistence¹² on across the board spending cuts ignores economic reality.

"We should be talking about boosting the economy, boosting spending, not cutting spending right now," said Gale.

Reports suggest Republicans may be willing to modify the sequester to give the administration discretion¹³ in deciding which programs to cut. Analysts¹⁴ say such a move would give Republicans political cover but place responsibility for the economic impact squarely on the president.