2007年VOA标准英语-Bush Cautions Against Cutting Funds for Iraq Tr

By Dan Robinson
Capitol Hill
14 February 2007

President Bush is cautioning members of Congress against taking any legislative¹ action that could harm U.S. troops in Iraq.  VOA's Dan Robinson reports, the statement in a White House news conference came as lawmakers in the House of Representatives held a second day of debate on a Democratic-sponsored non-binding² resolution disapproving³ of the president's troop buildup in Iraq.

 
The president was asked about the debate in the House on the Democratic-crafted resolution.

He says he recognizes that all members of Congress are patriotic⁴, and the fact that many Republicans were disappointed in the decision he made to send additional troops to Iraq.

But he says the debate on the resolution, which appears headed for passage on Friday, should not lead to efforts to restrict funds or resources for U.S. troops:

 
President Bush gestures during a news conference in the East Room at the White House in Washington
"My hope, however, is that this non-binding resolution doesn't try to turn into a binding policy that prevents our troops from doing that which I have asked them to do," said Mr. Bush.

While he suggests the debate could make some people wonder about U.S. commitment to Iraq, the president also addressed a key argument by Republican House leaders that one cannot support U.S. troops without supporting their mission:

"I think you can be against my decision and support the troops, absolutely," he said.  "But the proof will be whether or not you provide them the money necessary to do the mission."

Democrats⁵ maintain they will not take actions that will harm U.S. troops in the field.

A clearer picture is emerging of how much support majority Democrats can expect from Republicans.

On one hand, the president's strongest supporters, such as Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, continue to describe Iraq as the central front in the global war on terrorism and urge patience:

"A new plan is being implemented⁶, a new plan with political, economic and military components⁷.  Reinforcements are on their way even as we speak," she said. 

At the same time, at least 24 Republicans skeptical⁸ about the troop surge may vote for the resolution.

Republican Phil English says he has concerns about strains on the U.S. military, and the commitment of the Iraqi government.

"Unfortunately, sectarian violence in Iraq between Sunni and Shia Muslims is increasing, and the failure of Iraqis to reach political settlements and support a unified⁹ government greatly contributes to the increased violence," he said.

Republican Ron Paul responds to suggestions from those in his own party that a decision not to support the troop surge means a lack of support for the troops.

"The biggest red herring in this debate is the constant innuendo¹⁰ that those who don't support expanding the war somehow opposing the troops," said Mr. Paul.

The House debate on Iraq is being watched closely in the Senate, where the Democratic majority leader Harry¹¹ Reid announced he will seek a debate in that chamber¹² on the House Iraq resolution, likely near the end of the month.

1 legislative   

n.立法机构，立法权；adj.立法的，有立法权的

参考例句：

• Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government.国会是美国政府的立法部门。
• Today's hearing was just the first step in the legislative process.今天的听证会只是展开立法程序的第一步。

2 binding   

有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的

参考例句：

• The contract was not signed and has no binding force. 合同没有签署因而没有约束力。
• Both sides have agreed that the arbitration will be binding. 双方都赞同仲裁具有约束力。

3 disapproving   

adj.不满的，反对的v.不赞成( disapprove的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Mother gave me a disapproving look. 母亲的眼神告诉我她是不赞成的。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Her father threw a disapproving glance at her. 她父亲不满地瞥了她一眼。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 patriotic   

adj.爱国的，有爱国心的

参考例句：

• His speech was full of patriotic sentiments.他的演说充满了爱国之情。
• The old man is a patriotic overseas Chinese.这位老人是一位爱国华侨。

5 democrats   

n.民主主义者，民主人士( democrat的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The Democrats held a pep rally on Capitol Hill yesterday. 民主党昨天在国会山召开了竞选誓师大会。
• The democrats organize a filibuster in the senate. 民主党党员组织了阻挠议事。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 implemented   

v.实现( implement的过去式和过去分词 )；执行；贯彻；使生效

参考例句：

• This agreement, if not implemented, is a mere scrap of paper. 这个协定如不执行只不过是一纸空文。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• The economy is in danger of collapse unless far-reaching reforms are implemented. 如果不实施影响深远的改革，经济就面临崩溃的危险。 来自辞典例句

7 components   

（机器、设备等的）构成要素，零件，成分； 成分( component的名词复数 )； [物理化学]组分； [数学]分量； （混合物的）组成部分

参考例句：

• the components of a machine 机器部件
• Our chemistry teacher often reduces a compound to its components in lab. 在实验室中化学老师常把化合物分解为各种成分。

8 skeptical   

adj.怀疑的，多疑的

参考例句：

• Others here are more skeptical about the chances for justice being done.这里的其他人更为怀疑正义能否得到伸张。
• Her look was skeptical and resigned.她的表情是将信将疑而又无可奈何。

9 unified   

(unify 的过去式和过去分词)； 统一的； 统一标准的； 一元化的

参考例句：

• The teacher unified the answer of her pupil with hers. 老师核对了学生的答案。
• The First Emperor of Qin unified China in 221 B.C. 秦始皇于公元前221年统一中国。

10 innuendo   

n.暗指，讽刺

参考例句：

• The report was based on rumours,speculation,and innuendo.这份报告建立在谣言、臆断和含沙射影的基础之上。
• Mark told by innuendo that the opposing team would lose the game.马克暗讽地说敌队会在比赛中输掉。

11 harry   

vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼

参考例句：

• Today,people feel more hurried and harried.今天，人们感到更加忙碌和苦恼。
• Obama harried business by Healthcare Reform plan.奥巴马用医改掠夺了商界。

12 chamber   

n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所

参考例句：

• For many,the dentist's surgery remains a torture chamber.对许多人来说，牙医的治疗室一直是间受刑室。
• The chamber was ablaze with light.会议厅里灯火辉煌。