The U.S. president delivers his yearly report to Congress. Pope says he is stepping down for the good of the Church. 英语培训 英语口语
I'm David Deforest, reporting from Washington.
U.S. President Barack Obama travels to Asheville, North Carolina today. He will be promoting the main (themes) of his State of the Union speech. Mr. Obama spoke to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night.
"The American people don't expect government to solve every problem. They don't expect those of us in this chamber to agree on every issue. But they do expect us to put the nation's interests before party. They do expect us to forge reasonable (compromise )where we can. "电话英语
Mr. Obama emphasized the importance of creating new jobs. He warned that the automatic spending cuts set to take effect if Congress cannot reach a budget agreement will jeopardize military readiness, slow economic growth and hurt education, energy and medical research. Mr. Obama urged Congress to pass legislation on two issues currently under debate on Capitol Hill: gun control and (immigration) reform.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida gave the Republican response to the President's State of the Union address. Rubio stressed the benefits of a free enterprise (economy) instead of benefits given by the federal government.
"Presidents in both parties, from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, have known that our free enterprise economy is the source of our middle-class (prosperity). But President Obama, he believes it's the cause of our problems. That the economic downturn happened because of our government didn't tax enough, spend enough and control enough."
Rubio (denied) criticism that opposing the president's policies means siding with millionaires. He says Mr. Obama's policies would hurt immigrants by creating tax increases that may lead to the loss of benefits and jobs. The Senator says the United States must effectively deal with a rise of violence, but not by (violating) the Constitutional rights to own guns.
For more on the reaction to the president's speech, go to our website VOA news.com.
That was Pope Benedict. He is saying he's stepping down for the good of the Church in front of thousands of people of the Vatican in his first public appearance since announcing his (resignation). He thanked Roma Catholics for their support. Later in the day, he is to preside over Ash Wednesday service at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the start of Lent.
Thailand's military says 17 (insurgents) were killed early today during an attack on a military base in the country's south. A Thai military spokesman said at least 60 men stormed the base and were repelled. He also said during the fighting some Thai soldiers were wounded. He was not immediately clear who was behind the attack or why it occurred.
U.S. President Barack Obama is calling for a strengthened missile defense system in order to counter the threat of North Korea which defied U.N. sanctions by conducting its third nuclear test. Speaking Tuesday at the annual State of the Union address, the president vowed to take firm action in response to the test. The test by North Korea appears to have (thawed), at least temporarily, the chilly relationship between South Korea and Japan. Steve Herman takes a look.
The leaders of Japan and South Korea are (pledging) to work together to impose tougher sanctions on Pyongyang, a day after North Korea announced it had detonated its third nuclear device. The Japanese Prime Minister and the South Korea President held the first telephone conversation since Shinzo Abe returned to power in Tokyo in later December. Japanese officials say Mr. Abe and President Lee Myung-bak talked for about 20 minutes and also agreed to (coordinate) closely with Washington in dealing with North Korea. In Seoul, Mr. Lee is to be succeeded by President-elect Park Geun-hye on February 25. Steve Herman, VOA News, Tokyo.
United Nation's investigators are in Iran for a new round of talks that are aimed at reaching an agreement to probe the country's nuclear program. The head of Russia's state arms export (agency) says it is continuing to send weapons to the Syrian government, says none of the equipment can be used offensively.电话英语口语免费体验 http://www.e-say.com.cn/apply7/
California police say human remains have been found in a burned out cabin near Los Angeles where a murder suspect had barricaded himself. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department released a statement that saying forensic experts will try to identify the body. Police believe the man in the (cabin) is Christopher Dorner. He was wanted for three murders and had posted an online manifesto, vowing to wage war against police officers and their families.
From the VOA News centre in Washington, I'm David Deforest. More news on the internet at voanews.com.