奥巴马电台演讲

Remarks of President Barack ObamaWeekly AddressThe White HouseJanuary 1, 2011Hello, everybody. As we close the books on one year and begin another, I wanted to take a moment today to wish you a very Happy New Year and talk a little bit about the year that lies ahead.At the start of 2011, we’re still just emerging from a once-in-a-lifetime recession that’s taken a terrible toll on millions of families.We all have friends and neighbors trying to get their lives back on track.We are, however, riding a few months of economic news that suggests our recovery is gaining traction. And our most important task now is to keep that recovery going. As President, that’s my commitment to you: to do everything I can to make sure our economy is growing, creating jobs, and strengthening our middle class. That’s my resolution for the coming year.Still, even as we work to boost our economy in the short-term, it’s time to make some serious decisions about how to keep our economy strong, growing, and competitive in the long run. We have to look ahead – not just to this year, but to the next 10 years, and the next 20 years. Where will new innovations come from? How will we attract the companies of tomorrow to set up shop and create jobs in our communities? What will it take to get those jobs? What will it take to out-compete other countries around the world? What will it take to see the American Dream come true for our children and grandchildren?Our parents and grandparents asked themselves those questions. And because they had the courage to answer them, we’ve had the good fortune to grow up in the greatest nation on Earth.Now it’s our turn to think about the future.In a few days, a new Congress will form, with one house controlled by Democrats, and one house controlled by Republicans – who now have a shared responsibility to move this country forward. And here’s what I want you to know: I’m willing to work with anyone of either party who’s go t a good idea and the commitment to see it through. And we should all expect you to hold us accountable for our progress or our failure to deliver.As I’ve said since I first ran for this office, solving our challenges won’t be quick or easy. We have come through a difficult decade; one of new threats and new trials we didn’t expect when it began.But a new year and a new decade stretch out before us. And if we just remember what America is capable of, and live up to that legacy, then I’m confident that we are poised for a period of progress – one in which our economy is growing, our standing in the world is rising, and we do what it takes to make sure America remains in the 21st century what it was in the 20th: the greatest country in the world.Thanks for listening. And Happy New Year..Remarks of President Barack ObamaWeekly Address on Latin AmericaSaturday, March 19, 2011Washington, DCIn recent days, we’ve seen turmoil （混乱）and tragedy （灾难）around the world, from change in the Middle East and North Africa to the earthquake and tsunami （海啸）in Japan. As I said on Friday, we will work with our partners in the region to protect innocent civilians in Libya and hold the Gaddafi regime accountable（负责人的）. And we will continue to stand with the people of Japan in their greatest hour of need.As we respond to these immediate crises abroad, we also will not let up in our efforts to tackle（解决、应付）the pressing, ongoing challenges facing our country, including accelerating economic growth. That’s why, over the weekend, I’ll be in Latin America. One of the main reasons for my trip is to strengthen economic partnerships abroad so that we create good jobs at home.Latin America is a part of the world where the economy is growing very quickly. And as these markets grow, so does their demand for goods and services. The question is, Where are those goods and services going to come from? As President, I want to make sure these products are made in America. I want to open more markets around the world so that American companies can do more business and hire more of our people.Here’s a statistic（统计）to explain why this is important. Every $1 billion of goods and services we export supports more than 5,000 jobs in the United States. So, the more we sell overseas, the more jobs we create on our shores. That’s why, last year, I set a goal for this country: to double our exports by 2014. And it’s a goal we’re on track to meet.Part of the reason why is the rapid growth of Latin America, and their openness to American business. We now export more than three times as much to Latin America as we do to China, and our exports to the region will soon support more than two million jobs here in the United States. Brazil, the first stop on our trip, is a great example.In 2010, America’s exports to Brazil supported more than 250,000 American jobs. These are jobs at places like Capstone Turbine in California, which recently sold $2 million worth of high-tech energy equipment to Brazil. Another company is Rhino Assembly, a small business in Charlotte, North Carolina that sells and repairs tools for building cars and planes. A deal with a distributor in Brazil has resulted in new sales and new employees at that firm. And we can point to large companies like Sikorsky, whose helicopter sales to Brazil help sustain a large, skilled workforce in Connecticut, Alabama, and Pennsylvania.Today, Brazil imports more goods from the United States than from any other nation. And I’ll be meeting with business leaders from both countries to talk about how we can create even more jobs by deepening（加深）these economic ties. After Brazil, I’ll also visit Chile（智利）, a country with a growing economy, and increas ing demand for American goods. In fact, since 2004, our exports there are up 300 percent, and now support about 70,000 jobs in the United States. Finally, we’ll head to El Salvador（萨尔瓦多）, a nation with so much promise for growth with the potential to benefit both of our nations.We’ve always had a special bond with our neighbors to the south.It’s a bond born of shared history and values, and strengthened by the millions of Americans who proudly trace their roots to Latin America. But what is clear is that in an increasingly global economy, our partnership with these nations is only going to become more vital. For it’s a source of growth an d prosperity –and not just for the people of Latin America, but for the American people as well. Thank you.。

奥巴马演讲（五篇范例）第一篇：奥巴马演讲美国总统周末电台演讲：华盛顿白宫奥巴马每周电台演讲WASHINGTON –In this week’s address, President Obama laid out a policy agenda that would strengthen our economy and create jobs right here in America by offering tax incentives to businesses that hire new employees, making the research and experimentation tax credit permanent and providing a tax cut for clean energy manufacturing.The President also wants to close tax loopholes worth billions of dollars that encourage companies to invest in overseas, while Republicans in the House have voted 11 times in just the last four years to keep those loopholes open.Prepared Remarks of PresidentBarack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, October 16th, 2010 After a decade of hardship for middle class families, and a recession that wiped away millions of jobs, we are in the middle of a tough fight to rebuild this economy and put folks back to work.Winning this fight will not depend on government alone.It will depend on the innovation of American entrepreneurs;on the drive of American small business owners;on the skills and talents of American workers.These are the people who will help us grow our economy and create jobs.But government still has an important responsibility.And that’s to create an environment in which someone can raise capital to start a new company;where a business can get a loan to expand;where ingenuity is prized and folks are rewarded for their hard work.That’s why I fought so hard to pass a jobs bill to cut taxes and makemore loans available for entrepreneurs.It eliminated the capital gains taxes for key investments in small businesses.Itincreased the deduction to defray the costs of starting a company.And it’s freeing up credit for folks who need it.In fact, in just the first two weeks since I signed the bill, thousands of business owners have been able to get new loans through the SBA.But we need to do more.So I’ve proposed additional steps to grow the economy and spur hiring by businesses across America.Now, one of the keys to job creation is to encourage companies to invest more in the United States.But for years, our tax code has actually given billions of dollars in tax breaks that encourage companies to create jobs and profits in other countries.I want to close these tax loopholes.Instead, I want to give every business in America a tax break so they can write off the cost of all new equipment they buy next year.That’s going to make it easier for folks to expand and hire new people.I want to make the research and experimentation tax credit permanent.Because promoting new ideas and technologies is how we’ll create jobs and retain our edge as the world’s engine of discovery and innovation.And I want to provide a tax cut for clean energy manufacturing right here in America.Because that’s how we’ll lead the world in this growing industry.These are commonsense ideas.When more things are made in America, more families make it in America;more jobs are created in America;more businesses thrive in America.But Republicans in Washington have consistently fought to keep these corporate loopholes open.Over the last four years alone, Republicans in the House voted 11 times to continue rewarding corporations that create jobs and profits overseas – a policy that costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year.That doesn’t make a lot sense.It doesn’t make sense for American w orkers, American businesses, or America’s economy.A lot of companies that do businessinternationally make an important contribution to our economy here at home.That’s a good thing.But there is no reason why our tax code should actively reward them for creating jobs overseas.Instead, we should be using our tax dollars to reward companies that create jobs and businesses within our borders.We should give tax breaks to American small businesses and manufacturers.We should reward the people who are helping us lead in the industries of the future, like clean energy.That’s how we’ll ensure that American innovation and ingenuity are what drive the nextcentury.That’s how we’ll put our people back to work and lead the global economy.And that’s what I’ll be fighting for in the coming months.Thank you.第二篇：奥巴马2009、2013演讲奥巴马就职演说(2009)各位同胞：今天我站在这里，为眼前的重责大任感到谦卑，对各位的信任心怀感激，对先贤的牺牲铭记在心。

美国总统奥巴马每周电台演讲:为我们的孩子提供一个更好更安全的未来Hi, everybody. One of the most urgent challenges of our time is climate change. We know that 2015 surpassed 2014 as the warmest year on record –and 2016 is on pace to be even hotter.大家好。

我们这个时代面对的最大挑战之一就是气候变化。

我们知道2015您超过2014年成为最热一年—2016年正在成为更热的一年。

When I took office, I said this was something we couldn't kick down the road any longer –that our children 's future depended on our action. So we got to work, and over the past seven-and-a-half years, we've made ambitious investments in clean energy, and ambitious reductions in our carbon emissions. We've multiplied wind power threefold. We've multiplied solar power more than thirtyfold. In parts of America, these clean power sources are finally cheaper than dirtier, conventional power. And carbon pollution from our energy sector is at its lowest level in 25 years, even as we're continuing to grow our economy.我刚刚就任时就说这件事不能在继续下去了—我们的孩子们的未来取决于我们的行动。

奥巴马演讲稿
尊敬的各位先生、女士们，今天我站在这里，代表美国政府，向全世界发表演讲。

我们所面临的挑战是巨大的，但我坚信，只要我们齐心协力，共同努力，就一定能够克服困难，迎接未来。

首先，我想谈谈全球气候变化的问题。

气候变化是全人类面临的共同挑战，我
们必须采取行动，减少碳排放，保护地球环境。

我们不能再对这个问题视而不见，而是要积极寻求解决之道，为子孙后代留下一个更加美好的世界。

其次，我要强调的是全球经济发展的问题。

当前，全球经济形势依然严峻，许
多国家都在为经济增长而努力。

我们需要加强国际合作，共同应对经济挑战，推动全球经济持续健康发展。

只有通过合作，我们才能共同创造更加繁荣的未来。

此外，我还要谈到国际安全和和平的问题。

当今世界，恐怖主义、战争、冲突
仍然层出不穷，给人民带来巨大的痛苦。

我们必须加强国际合作，共同打击恐怖主义，维护世界和平。

只有通过团结一致，我们才能实现全球安全与和平。

最后，我要呼吁全球各国共同努力，推动全球治理体系的改革。

当前，全球治
理体系面临许多挑战，需要进行改革和完善。

我们应该加强国际合作，推动全球治理体系更加公正、合理，更好地满足各国人民的利益。

各位先生、女士们，面对全球诸多挑战，我们不能束手无策，而是要齐心协力，共同努力。

只有通过团结合作，我们才能迎接未来，创造更加美好的世界。

让我们携手并肩，共同努力，为全人类的幸福和未来而奋斗！谢谢大家！。

奥巴马每周电台演讲英语听力篇一：奥巴马每周电台演讲Andeveryonewhoalreadyhashealthinsurance,whetherthroughyourem ployer,Medicare,orMedicaid,willkeepthebenefitsandprotectionsthis lawhasalreadyputinplace.Threemillionmoreyoungadultshavehealthins uranceontheirparents’plansbecauseoftheAffordableCareAct.Moretha nsixmillionpeopleonMedicarehavesavedanaverageof$1,000ontheirpres criptionmedicinebecauseoftheAffordableCareAct.每个已经有医保的人，不管你是通过雇主、医保还是医疗救助获得的，将继续享受这个法案已经提供的福利和保障。

因为可承受的医保，将有三百多万年轻的成人通过父母的险种获得医保。

因为可承受的医保，有六百多万享受医保的人们在处方药上平均节约1,000美元。

Lastyear,morethan8millionAmericansreceivedhalfabilliondollar sinrefundsfromtheirinsurersbecauseoftheAffordableCareAct.Andfort ensofmillionsofwomen,preventivecarelikemammogramsandbirthcontrol arefreebecauseoftheAffordableCareAct.去年，因为可承受的医保，八百多万人获得了保险人五十万美元的返款。

因为可承受的医保法案，成千上万的妇女们将获得诸如妈咪项目和生育之类的免费预防性医保。

Hello everyone. I’m speaking to you from the GM auto plant here in Detroit, Michigan, where a hopeful story is unfolding in a place that’s been one of the hardest hit in America.大家好。

我说你从通用汽车厂在底特律，密歇根州，那里是一个充满希望的故事，在这一个地方开展了这里的重灾区美国。

In the twelve months before I took office, American auto companies lost hundreds of thousands of jobs. Sales plunged 40percent. Liquidation was a very real possibility. Years of papering over tough problems and failing to adapt to changing times – combined with a vicious economic crisis –brought an industry that’s been the symbol of our manufacturing might for a century to the brink of collapse.在十二个月前我上任时，美国汽车公司失去了成千上万的就业机会。

销量下降百分之四十。

清算是一个非常现实的可能性。

强硬的掩盖了问题，并未能适应不断变化的时代一年- 与经济危机的恶性结合- 带来了这一直是我们的制造业的象征业可能为一到了崩溃的边缘世纪。

We didn’t have many good options.On one hand, we could have continued the practice of handing out billions of taxpayer dollars to the auto industry with no real strings attached. On the other hand, we could have walked away and allowed two major auto companies to go out of business – which could have wiped out one million American jobs.我们并没有太多的好选择。

奥巴马演讲稿尊敬的众议院议员、参议院议员、尊敬的美国人民，大家好！我很高兴能再次在这个场合与大家见面，并向大家报告美国的最新进展。

今年是我总统任期的最后一年，我想谈谈我们过去8年的经历，以及我们将如何继续前进。

首先，我想讲的是我们在经济方面的进展。

我在2009年上任时，美国正处于严重的经济衰退中。

但是我们制定并实施了一系列创新性的政策，促进了经济的复苏。

现在，美国的生产总值已经回升到前衰退时期的水平。

失业率也已经从高峰时期的10%降到了4.9%。

除此之外，我们还进行了历史性的医疗改革，让更多的人有了医保保障。

我们也为LGBT社群争取到了平等权利。

但是，这些进步并不是没有代价的。

我们还面临着很多挑战。

我们的收入不平等现象越来越严重，一些人的收入增加得很快，而其他人却没有跟上。

我们的工人和小企业主们也面临着很大的竞争压力。

因此，我们需要继续努力，不断创新，才能继续前进。

我们需要为所有人提供机会，为每个人提供平等的机会。

首先，我们需要重视教育。

我们需要为我们的孩子们提供更好的教育环境和更好的教育资源。

这包括投资我们的学校，确保我们的学生能够掌握关键的STEM 技能，确保教师们得到足够的支持和鼓励。

其次，我们需要更好地支持我们的工人和中小企业。

我们需要确保他们能够赢得公平的机会，能够在竞争中脱颖而出。

我们需要制定更加公平的税收政策，确保大公司和富人不能通过不公平的税收折扣来获得额外的优势。

最后，我们需要注意保护我们的环境和应对气候变化。

这是一个关系到我们未来的严肃问题。

作为一个国家，我们有责任保护我们的地球，并确保我们的子孙后代能够生活在一个美好的环境中。

我们必须制定更加雄心勃勃的政策来减少碳排放量，并支持更多的可再生能源。

亲爱的美国人民，我们已经走过了很长的路。

我们已经取得了很多进步，但我们还有很长的路要走。

我们需要坚持不懈地努力，不断创新，才能实现我们的目标。

谢谢大家！。

奥巴马每周电台演讲m p以及文本HEN system office room 【HEN16H-HENS2AHENS8Q8-HENH1688】Remarks of President Barack ObamaWeekly AddressSaturday, January 24th, 2009We begin this year and this Administration in the midst of an unprecedented crisis that calls for unprecedented action. Just this week, we saw more people file for unemployment than at any time in the last twenty-six years, and experts agree that if nothing is done, the unemployment rate could reach double digits. Our economy could fall $1 trillion short of its full capacity, whichtranslates into more than $12,000 in lost income for a family of four. And we could lose a generation of potential, as more young Americans are forced to forgo college dreams or the chance to train for the jobs of the future.In short, if we do not act boldly and swiftly, a bad situation could become dramatically worse.That is why I have proposed an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan to immediately jumpstart job creation as well as long-term economic growth. I am pleased to say that both parties in Congress are already hard at work on this plan, and I hope to sign it into law in less than a month.It’s a plan that will save or create three to four million jobs over the next few years, and one that recognizes both the paradox and the promise of this moment - the fact that there are millions of Americans trying to find work even as, all around the country, there’s so much work to be done. That’s why this is not just a short-term program t o boost employment. It’s one that will investin our most important priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century.Today I’d like to talk specifically abo ut the progress we expect to make in each of these areas.To accelerate the creation of a clean energy economy, we will double our capacity to generate alternative sources of energy like wind, solar, and biofuels over the next three years. We’ll begin to build a new electricity grid that lay down more than 3,000 miles of transmission lines to convey this new energy from coast to coast. We’ll save taxpayers $2 billion a year by making 75% of federal buildings more energy efficient, and save the average working family $350 on their energy bills by weatherizing million homes.To lower health care cost, cut medical errors, and improve care, we’ll computerize the nation’s health record in five years, saving billions of dollars in health care costs and countless lives. And we’ll protect health insurance for more than 8 million Americans who are in danger of losing their coverage during this economic downturn.To ensure our children can compete and succeed in this new economy, we’ll renovate and modernize 10,000 schools, building state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and labs to improve learning for over five million students. We’ll invest more in Pell Grants to make college affordable for seven million more students, provide a $2,500 college tax credit to four million students, and triple the number of fellowships in science to help spur the next generation of innovation.Finally, we will rebuild and retrofit America to meet the demands of the 21st century. That means repairing and modernizing thousands of miles o f America’s roadways and providing new mass transit options for millions of Americans. It means protecting America by securing 90 major ports and creating a better communications network for local law enforcement and public safety officials in the event of an emergency. And it means expanding broadband access to millions of Americans, so business can compete on a level-playing field, wherever they’re located.I know that some are skeptical about the size and scale of this recovery plan. I understand that skepticism, which is why this recovery plan must and will include unprecedented measures that will allow the American people to hold my Administration accountable for these results. We won’t just throw money at our problems - we’ll invest in what works. Inst ead of politicians doling out money behind a veil of secrecy, decisions about where we invest will be made public, and informed by independent experts whenever possible. We’ll launch an unprecedented effort to root out waste, inefficiency, and unnecessary spending in our government, and every American will be able to seehow and where we spend taxpayer dollars by going to a new website called .No one policy or program will solve the challenges we face right now, nor will this crisis recedein a short period of time. But if we act now and act boldly; if we start rewarding hard work and responsibility once more; if we act as citizens and not partisans and begin again the work of remaking America, then I have faith that we will emerge from this trying time even stronger andmore prosperous than we were before. Thanks for listening.ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENTTO THE NATIONJanuary 31, 2009This morning I'd like to talk about some good news and some bad news as we confront our economic crisis.The bad news is well known to Americans across our country as we continue to struggle through unprecedented economic turmoil. Yesterday we learned that our economy shrank by nearly 4 percent from October through December. That decline was the largest in over a quarter century, and it underscores the seriousness of the economic crisis that my administration found when we took office. Already the slowdown has cost us tens of thousands of jobs in January alone. And the picture islikely to get worse before it gets better.Make no mistake, these are not just numbers. Behind every statistic there's a story. Many Americans have seen their lives turned upside down. Families have been forced to make painful choices.Parents are struggling to pay the bills. Patients can't afford care. Students can't keep pace with tuition. And workers don't know whether their retirement will be dignified and secure.The good news is that we are moving forward with a sense of urgency equal to the challenge. This week the House passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which will save or create more than 3 million jobs over the next few years. It puts a tax cut into the pockets of working families, and places a down payment on America's future by investing in energy independence and education, affordable health care, and American infrastructure.Now this recovery plan moves to the Senate. I will continue working with both parties so that the strongest possible bill gets to my desk. With the stakes so high we simply cannot afford the sameold gridlock and partisan posturing in Washington. It's time to move in a new direction.Americans know that our economic recovery will take years -- not months. But they will have little patience if we allow politics to get in the way of action, and our economy continues to slide.That's why I am calling on the Senate to pass this plan, so that we can put people back to work and begin the long, hard work of lifting our economy out of this crisis. No one bill, no matter how comprehensive, can cure what ails our economy. So just as we jumpstart job creation, we must also ensure that markets are stable, credit is flowing, and families can stay in their homes.Last year Congress passed a plan to rescue the financial system. While the package helped avoid a financial collapse, many are frustrated by the results -- and rightfully so. Too often taxpayer dollars have been spent without transparency or accountability. Banks have been extended a hand,but homeowners, students, and small businesses that need loans have been left to fend on their own.And adding to this outrage, we learned this week that even as they petitioned for taxpayer assistance, Wall Street firms shamefully paid out nearly $20 billion in bonuses for 2008. While I'm committed to doing what it takes to maintain the flow of credit, the American people will not excuse or tolerate such arrogance and greed. The road to recovery demands that we all act responsibly, from Main Street to Washington to Wall Street.Soon my Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, will announce a new strategy for reviving our financial system that gets credit flowing to businesses and families. We'll help lower mortgage costs and extend loans to small businesses so they can create jobs. We'll ensure that CEOs are not draining funds that should be advancing our recovery. And we will insist on unprecedented transparency, rigorous oversight, and clear accountability -- so taxpayers know how their money is being spent and whether it is achieving results.Rarely in history has our country faced economic problems as devastating as this crisis. But the strength of the American people compels us to come together. The road ahead will be long, but I promise you that every day that I go to work in the Oval Office I carry with me your stories, and my administration is dedicated to alleviating your struggles and advancing your dreams. You are calling for action. Now is the time for those of us in Washington to live up to our responsibilities.WEEKLY ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENTTO THE NATIONFebruary 14, 2009This week, I spent some time with Americans across the country who are hurting because of our economic crisis. People closing the businesses they scrimped and saved to start. Families losing the homes that were their stake in the American Dream. Folks who have given up trying to get ahead, and given in to the stark reality of just trying to get by.They’ve been looking to those they sent to Washington for some hope at a time when they need it most.This morning, I’m pleased to say that after a lively debate full of healthy difference of opinion, we have delivered real and tangible progress for the American people.Congress has passed my economic recovery plan – an ambitious plan at a time we badly need it. It will save or create more than million jobs over the next two years, ignite spending by business and consumers alike, and lay a new foundation for our lasting economic growth and prosperity.This is a major milestone on our road to recovery, and I want to thank the Members of Congress who came together in common purpose to make it happen. Because they did, I will sign this legislation into law shortly, and we’ll begin making the immediate investments necessary to put people back to work doing the work America needs done.The work of modernizing our health care system, saving billions of dollars and countless lives; and upgrading classrooms, libraries, and labs in our children’s schools across America.The work of building wind turbines and solar panels and the smart grid necessary to transport the clean energy they create; and laying broadband internet lines to connect rural homes, schools, and businesses to the information superhighway.The work of repairing our crumbling roads and bridges, and our dangerously deficient dams and levees.And we’ll help folks who’ve lost their jobs through no fault of their own by providing the unemployment benefits they need and protecting the health care they count on.Now, some fear we won’t be able to effectively implement a plan of this size and scope, and I understand their skepticism. Washington hasn’t set a very good example in recent years. And with so much on the line, it’s time to begin doing things differently.That’s why our goal must be to spend these precious dollars with unprecedented accountability, responsibility, and transparency. I’ve tasked my cabinet and staff to set up the kind of management, oversight, and disclosure that will help ensure that, and I will challenge state and local governments to do the same.Once the plan is put into action, a new website – Recovery DOT gov – will allow any American to watch where the money goes and weigh in with comments and questions – and I encourage every American to do so. Ultimately, this is your money, and you deserve to know where it’s going and how it’s spent.This hi storic step won’t be the end of what we do to turn our economy around, but the beginning. The problems that led us into this crisis are deep and widespread. Our response must be equal to the task.For our plan to succeed, we must stabilize, repair, and reform our banking system, and get credit flowing again to families and businesses.We must write and enforce new rules of the road, to stop unscrupulous speculators from undermining our economy ever again.We must stem the spread of foreclosures and do everything we can to help responsible homeowners stay in their homes.And in the weeks ahead, I will submit a proposal for the federal budget that will begin to restore the discipline these challenging times demand. Our debt has doubled over the past eight years, and we’ve inherited a trillion-dollar deficit – which we must add to in the short term in order to jumpstart our sick economy. But our long-term economic growth demands that we tame our burgeoning federal deficit; that we invest in the things we ne ed, and dispense with the things we don’t. This is a challenging agenda, but one we can and will achieve.This morning, I’m reminded of words President Kennedy spoke in another time of uncertainty. "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks."America, we will prove equal to this task. It will take time, and it will take effort, but working together, we will turn this crisis into opportunity and emerge from our painful present into a brighter future. After a week spent with the fundamentally decent men and women of this nation, I have never been more certain of that. Thank you.The White HouseSaturday, February 7, 2009Yesterday began with some devastating news with regard to our economic crisis. But I'm pleased to say it ended on a more positive note.In the morning, we received yet another round of alarming employment figures – the worst in more than 30 years. Another 600,000 jobs were lost in January. We've now lost more than million jobs since this recession began.But by the evening, Democrats and Republicans came together in the Senate and responded appropriately to the urgency this moment demands.In the midst of our greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, the American people were hoping that Congress would begin to confront the great challenges we face. That was, after all, what last November's election was all about.Legislation of such magnitude deserves the scrutiny that it's received over the last month, and it will receive more in the days to come. But we can't afford to make perfect the enemy of the absolutely necessary. The scale and scope of this plan is right. And the time for action is now. Because if we don't move swiftly to put this plan in motion, our economic crisis could become a national catastrophe. Millions of Americans will lose their jobs, their homes, and their health care. Millions more will have to put their dreams on hold.Let's be clear: We can't expect relief from the tired old theories that, in eight short years, doubled the national debt, threw our economy into a tailspin, and led us into this mess in thefirst place. We can't rely on a losing formula that offers only tax cuts as the answer to all our problems while ignoring our fundamental economic challenges – the crushing cost of health care or the inadequate state of so many schools; our addiction to foreign oil or our crumbling roads, bridges, and levees.The American people know that our challenges are great. They don't expect Democratic solutions or Republican solutions – they expect American solutions.From the beginning, this recovery plan has had at its core a simple idea: Let's put Americans to work doing the work America needs done. It will save or create more than 3 million jobs over the next two years, all across the country – 16,000 in Maine, nearly 80,000 in Indiana – almost all of them in the private sector, and all of them jobs that help us recover today, and prosper tomorrow.Jobs that upgrade classrooms and laboratories in 10,000 schools nationwide – at least 485 in Florida alone – and train an army of teachers in math and science.Jobs that modernize our health care system, not only saving us billions of dollars, but countless lives.Jobs that construct a smart electric grid, connect every corner of the country to the information superhighway, double our capacity to generate renewable energy, and grow the economy of tomorrow. Jobs that rebuild our crumbling roads, bridges and levees and dams, so that the tragedies of New Orleans and Minneapolis never happen again.It includes immediate tax relief for our struggling middle class in places like Ohio, wheremillion workers will receive a tax cut of up to $1,000. It protects health insurance and provides unemployment insurance for those who've lost their jobs. And it helps our states and communities avoid painful tax hikes or layoffs for our teachers, nurses, and first responders.That's what is at stake with this plan: putting Americans back to work, creating transformative economic change, and making a down payment on the American Dream that serves our children and our children's children for generations to come.Americans across this country are struggling, and they are watching to see if we're equal to the task before us. Let's show them that we are. And let's do whatever it takes to keep the promise of America alive in our time.Thank you.SATURDAY, February 21, 2009WEEKLY ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENTTO THE NATIONTHE PRESIDENT: Earlier this week, I signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- the most sweeping economic recovery plan in history. Because of this plan, million Americans will now go to work doing the work that America needs done.I'm grateful to Congress, governors and mayors across the country, and to all of you whose support made this critical step possible.Because of what we did together, there will now be shovels in the ground, cranes in the air, and workers rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, and repairing our faulty levees and dams. Because of what we did, companies -- large and small -- that produce renewable energy can now apply for loan guarantees and tax credits and find ways to grow, instead of laying people off; andfamilies can lower their energy bills by weatherizing their homes.Because of what we did, our children can now graduate from 21st century schools and millions more can do what was unaffordable just last week -- and get their college degree.Because of what we did, lives will be saved and health care costs will be cut with new computerized medical records.Because of what we did, there will now be police on the beat, firefighters on the job, and teachers preparing lesson plans who thought they would not be able to continue pursuing their critical missions. And ensure that all of this is done with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability, I have assigned a team of managers to make sure that precious tax dollars are invested wisely and well.Because of what we did, 95 percent of all working families will get a tax cut -- in keeping with a promise I made on the campaign. And I'm pleased to announce that this morning, the Treasury Department began directing employers to reduce the amount of taxes withheld from paychecks -- meaning that by April 1st, a typical family will begin taking home at least $65 more every month. Never before in our history has a tax cut taken effect faster or gone to so many hardworking Americans.But as important as it was that I was able to sign this plan into law, it is only a first step onthe road to economic recovery. And we can't fail to complete the journey. That will require stemming the spread of foreclosures and falling home values, and doing all we can to helpresponsible homeowners stay in their homes, which is exactly what the housing plan I announced last week will help us do.It will require stabilizing and repairing our banking system, and getting credit flowing again to families and businesses. It will require reforming the broken regulatory system that made thiscrisis possible, and recognizing that it's only by setting and enforcing 21st century rules of the road that we can build a thriving economy.And it will require doing all we can to get exploding deficits under control as our economy beginsto recover. That work begins on Monday, when I will convene a fiscal summit of independent experts and unions, advocacy groups and members of Congress, to discuss how we can cut the trillion-dollar deficit that we've inherited. On Tuesday, I will speak to the nation about our urgent national priorities. And on Thursday, I'll release a budget that's sober in its assessments, honest in its accounting, and lays out in detail my strategy for investing in what we need, cutting what we don't, and restoring fiscal discipline.No single piece of this broad economic recovery can, by itself, meet the demands that have been placed on us. We can't help people find work or pay their bills unless we unlock credit forfamilies and businesses. We can't solve our housing crisis unless we help people find work so that they can make payments on their homes. We can't produce shared prosperity without firm rules ofthe road, and we can't generate sustained growth without getting our deficits under control. In short, we cannot successfully address any of our problems without addressing them all. And that is exactly what the strategy we are pursuing is designed to do.None of this will be easy. The road ahead will be long and full of hazards. But I am confidentthat we, as a people, have the strength and wisdom to carry out this strategy and overcome this crisis. And if we do, our economy -- and our country -- will be better and stronger for it.Thank you.Remarks of President Barack ObamaWeekly AddressSaturday, February 28th, 2009Washington, DCTwo years ago, we set out on a journey to change the way that Washington works.We sought a government that served not the interests of powerful lobbyists or the wealthiest few,but the middle-class Americans I met every day in every community along the campaign trail –responsible men and women who are working harder than ever, worrying about their jobs, andstruggling to raise their families. In so many town halls and backyards, they spoke of their hopes for a government that finally confronts the challenges that their families face every day; a government that treats their tax dollars as responsibly as they treat their own hard-earned paychecks.That is the change I promised as a candidate for president. It is the change the American people voted for in November. And it is the change represented by the budget I sent to Congress this week. During the campaign, I promised a fair and balanced tax code that would cut taxes for 95% ofworking Americans, roll back the tax breaks for those making over $250,000 a year, and end the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas. This budget does that.I promised an economy run on clean, renewable energy that will create new American jobs, new American industries, and free us from the dangerous grip of foreign oil. This budget puts us onthat path, through a market-based cap on carbon pollution that will make renewable energy the profitable kind of energy; through investments in wind power and solar power; advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more fuel-efficient American cars and American trucks.I promised to bring down the crushing cost of health care – a cost that bankrupts one Americanevery thirty seconds, forces small businesses to close their doors, and saddles our government with more debt. This budget keeps that promise, with a historic commitment to reform that will lead to lower costs and quality, affordable health care for every American. I promised an education system that will prepare every American to compete, so Americans can win in a global economy. This budget will help us meet that goal, with new incentives for teacher performance and pathways for advancement; new tax credits that will make college more affordable for all who want to go; and new support to ensure that those who do go finish their degree.This budget also reflects the stark reality of what we’ve inherited – a trillion dollar deficit,a financial crisis, and a costly recession. Given this reality, we’ll have to be more vigilantthan ever in eliminating the programs we don’t need in order to make room for the investments wedo need. I promised to do this by going through the federal budget page by page, and line by line. That is a process we have already begun, and I am pleased to say that we’ve already identified two trillion dollars worth of deficit-reductions over the next decade. We’ve also restored a sense of honesty and transparency to our budget, which is why this one accounts for spending that was hiddenor left out under the old rules.I realize that passing this budget won’t be easy. Because it represents real and dramatic change,it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington. I know that the insurance industry won’t like the idea that they’ll have to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that’s how we’ll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs for American families. I know that banks and big student lenders won’t like the idea that we’r e ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that’s how we’ll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won’t like us ending nearly $30 billion in taxbreaks, but that’s how we’ll help fund a rene wable energy economy that will create new jobs and new industries. In other words, I know these steps won’t sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they’re gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this:So am I.The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long, but I don’t. I work for the American people. I didn’t come here to do the same th ing we’ve been doing or to take small steps forward, I came to provide the sweeping change that this country demanded when it went to the polls in November. That is the change this budget starts to make, and that is the change I’ll be fighting for in the weeks ahead – changethat will grow our economy, expand our middle-class, and keep the American Dream alive for allthose men and women who have believed in this journey from the day it began.Thanks for listening.Weekly AddressSaturday, March 7, 2009Yesterday, we learned that the economy lost another 651,000 jobs in the month of February, which brings the total number of jobs lost in this recession to million. The unemployment rate has now surpassed 8 percent, the highest rate in a quarter century.These aren't just statistics, but hardships experienced personally by millions of Americans who no longer know how they'll pay their bills, or make their mortgage, or raise their families.From the day I took office, I knew that solving this crisis would not be easy, nor would it happen overnight. And we will continue to face difficult days in the months ahead. But I also believethat we will get through this -- that if we act swiftly and boldly and responsibly, the United States of America will emerge stronger and more prosperous than it was before.That's why my administration is committed to doing all that's necessary to address this crisis and lead us to a better day. That's why we're moving forward with an economic agenda that willjumpstart job creation, restart lending, relieve responsible homeowners, and address the long-term economic challenges of our time: the cost of health care, our dependence on oil, and the state of our schools.To prevent foreclosures for as many as 4 million homeowners -- and lower interest rates and lift home values for millions more -- we are implementing a plan to allow lenders to work with borrowers to refinance or restructure their mortgages. On Wednesday, the Department of Treasury and Housing and Urban Development released the guidelines that lenders will use for lowering mortgage payments. This plan is now at work.To restore the availability of affordable loans for families and businesses -- not just banks -- we are taking steps to restart the flow of credit and stabilize the financial markets. On Thursday, the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve launched the Consumer and Business LendingInitiative -- a plan that will generate up to a trillion dollars of new lending so that familiescan finance a car or college education -- and small businesses can raise the capital that willcreate jobs.And we've already begun to implement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- a plan that will save and create over million jobs over the next two years -- jobs rebuilding our roads and bridges, constructing wind turbines and solar panels, expanding broadband and mass transit. And because of this plan, those who have lost their job in this recession will be able to receive extended unemployment benefits and continued health care coverage, while 95 percent of working Americanswill receive a tax break beginning April 1st.。

标题美国总统奥巴马每周电台演讲09.10正文第一篇：美国总统奥巴马每周电台演讲09.10 Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address The White House Saturday September 10, 2011 This weekend, we’re coming together, as one nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We’re remembering the lives we lost—nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children. We’re reaffirming our commitment to always keep faith with their families. We’re honoring the heroism of first responders who risked their lives—and gave their lives—to save others. And we’re giving thanks to all who serve on our behalf, especially our troops and military families—our extraordinary 9/11 Generation. At the same time, even as we reflect on a difficult decade, we must look forward, to the future we will build together. That includes staying strong and confident in the face of any threat. And thanks to the tireless efforts of our military personnel and our intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security professionals—there should be no doubt. Today, America is stronger and al Qaeda is on the path to defeat. We’ve taken the fight to al Qaeda like never before. Over the past two and a half years, more senior al Qaeda leaders have been eliminated than at any time since 9/11. And thanks to the remarkable courage and precision of our forces, we finally delivered justice to Osama bin Laden. We’ve strengthened the partnerships and tools we need to prevail in this war against al Qaeda—working closer with allies and partners; reforming intelligence to better detect and disrupt plots; investing in our Special Forces so terrorists have no safe haven. We’re constantly working to improve the security of our homeland as well—at our airports, ports and borders; enhancing aviation security and screening; increasing support for our first responders; and working closer than ever with states, cities and communities. A decade after 9/11, it’s clear for all the world to see—the terrorists who attacked us that September morning are no match for the character of our people, the resilience of our nation, or the endurance of our values. They wanted to terrorize us, but, as Americans, we refuse to live in fear. Yes we face a determined foe, and make no mistake—they will keep trying to hit us again. But as we are showing aga in this weekend, we remain vigilant. We’re doing everything in our power to protect our people. And no matter what comes our way, as a resilient nation, we will carry on. They wanted to draw us in to endless wars, sapping our strength and confidence as a nation. But even as we put relentless pressure on al Qaeda, we’re ending the war in Iraq and beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan. Because after a hard decade of war, it is time for nation building here at home. They wanted to deprive us of the unity that defines us as a people. But we will not succumb to division or suspicion. We are Americans, and we are stronger and safer when we stay true to the values, freedoms and diversitythat make us unique among nations. And they wanted to undermine our place in the world. But a decade later, we’ve shown that America doesn’t hunker down and hide behind walls of mistrust. We’ve forged new partnerships with nations around the world to meet the global challenges that no nation can face alone. And across the Middle East and North Africa a new generation of citizens is showing that the future belongs to those that want to build, not destroy. Ten years ago, ordinary Americans showed us the true meaning of courage when they rushed up those stairwells, into those flames, into that cockpit. In the decade since, a new generation has stepped forward to serve and keep us safe. In their memory, in their name, we will never waver. We will protect the country we love and pass it safer, stronger and more prosperous to the next generation. 第二篇：美国总统奥巴马每周电台演讲09美国总统奥巴马每周电台演讲09.19 Remarks of President Barack Obama As prepared for delivery Saturday, September 18, 2010 Washington, DC Back in January, in my State of the Union Address, I warned of the danger posed by a Supreme Court ruling called Citizens United. This decision overturned decades of law and precedent. It gave the special interests the power to spend without limit – and without public disclosure – to run ads in order to influence elections. Now, as an election approaches, it’s not just a theory. We can see for ourselves how destructive to our democracy this can become. We see it in the flood of deceptive attack ads sponsored by special interests using front groups with misleading names. We don’t k no w who’s behind these ads or who’s paying for them. Even foreign-controlled corporations seeking to influence our democracy are able to spend freely in order to swing an election toward a candidate they prefer. We’ve tried to fix this with a new law – one that would simply require that you say who you are and who’s paying for your ad. This way, voters are able to make an informed judgment about a group’s motivations. Anyone running these ads would have to stand by their claims. And foreign-controlled corporations would be restricted from spending money to influence elections, just as they were before the Supreme Court opened up this loophole. This is common sense. In fact, this is the kind of proposal that Democrats and Republicans have agreed on for decades. Yet, the Republican leaders in Congress have so far said “no.” They’ve blocked this bill from even coming up for a vote in the Senate. It’s politics at its worst. But it’s not hard to understand why. Over the past two years, we have fought back against the entrenched special interests – weakening their hold on the levers of power in Washington. We have taken a stand against the worst abuses of the financial industry and health insurance companies. We’ve rolled back tax breaks for companies that ship j obs overseas. And we’ve restored enforcement of common sense rules to protect clean air and clean water. We have refused to go along with business as usual. Now, the special interests want to take Congress back, and return to the days when lobbyists wrote the laws. And a partisanminority in Congress is hoping their defense of these special interests and the status quo will be rewarded with a flood of negative ads against their opponents. It’s a power grab, pure and simple. They’re hoping they can ride this wave of unchecked influence all the way to victory. What is clear is that Congress has a responsibility to act. But the truth is, any law will come too late to prevent the damage that has already been done this election season. That is why, any time you see an attack ad by one of these shadowy groups, you should ask yourself, who is paying for this ad? Is it the health insurance lobby? The oil industry? The credit card companies? But more than that, you can make sure that the tens of millions of dollars spent on misleading ads do not drown out your voice. Because no matter how many ads they run – no matter how many elections they try to buy –the power to determine the fate of this country doesn’t lie in their hands. It lies in yours. It’s up to all of us to defend that most basic American principle of a government of, by, and for the people. What’s at stake is not just an election. It’s our democracy itself. Thank you. 第三篇：美国总统奥巴马每周电台演讲09.08.02Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Satur day, August 1st, 2009 Today, I’d like to talk with you about a subject that I know is on everyone’s mind, and that’s the state of our economy. Yesterday, we received a report on our Gross Domestic Product. That’s a measure of our overall economic perform ance. The report showed that in the first few months of this year, the recession we faced when I took office was even deeper than anyone thought at the time. It told us how close we were to the edge. But it also revealed that in the last few months, the economy has done measurably better than expected. And many economists suggest that part of this progress is directly attributable to the Recovery Act. This and the other difficult but important steps that we have taken over the last six months have helped put the brakes on this recession. We took unprecedented action to stem the spread of foreclosures by helping responsible homeowners stay in their homes and pay their mortgages. We helped revive the credit markets and open up loans for families and small businesses. And we enacted a Recovery Act that put tax cuts directly into the pockets of middle-class families and small businesses; extended unemployment insurance and health insurance for folks who have lost jobs; provided relief to struggling states to prevent layoffs of teachers and police officers; and made investments that are putting people back to work rebuilding and renovating roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals. Now, I realize that none of this is much comfort for Americans who are still out of work or struggling to make ends meet. And when we receive our monthly job report next week, it is likely to show that we are continuing to lose far too many jobs in this country. As far as I’m concerned, we will not have a recovery as long as we keep los ing jobs. And I won’t rest until every American who wants a job can find one. But history shows that you need to have economic growth before you havejob growth. And the report yesterday on our economy is an important sign that we’re headed in the right direction. Business investment, which had been plummeting in the past few months, is showing signs of stabilizing. This means that eventually, businesses will start growing and hiring again. And that’s when it will really feel like a recovery to the Americ an people. This won’t happen overnight. As I’ve said before, it will take many more months to fully dig ourselves out of a recession –a recession that we’ve now learned was even deeper than anyone thought. But I’ll continue to work every day, and take every step necessary, to make sure that happens. I also want to make sure that we don’t return to an economy where our growth is based on inflated profits and maxed-out credit cards – because that doesn’t create a lot of jobs. Even as we rescue this economy, we must work to rebuild it stronger than before. We’ve got to build a new foundation strong enough to withstand future economic storms and support lasting prosperity. Next week, I’ll be talking about that new foundation when I head to Elkhart County in Indiana –a city hard hit not only by the economic crisis of recent months but by the broader economic changes of recent decades. For communities like Elkhart to thrive, we need to recapture the spirit of innovation that has always moved America forward. That means once again having the best-educated, highest skilled workforce in the world. That means a health care system that makes it possible for entrepreneurs to innovate and businesses to compete without being saddled with skyrocketing insurance costs. That means leading the world in building a new clean energy economy with the potential to unleash a wave of innovation – and economic growth – while ending our dependence on foreign oil. And that means investing in the research and development that will produce the technologies of the future –which in turn will help create the industries and jobs of the future. Innovation has been essential to our prosperityin the past, and it will be essential to our prosperity in the future. Butit is only by building a new foundation that we will once again harness that incredible generative capacity of the American people. All it takes are the policies to tap that potential –to ignite that spark of creativity and ingenuity – which has always been at the heart of who we are and how we succeed. At a time when folks are experiencing real hardship, after yearsin which we have seen so many fail to take responsibility for our collective future, it’s important to keep our eyes fixed on that horizon. Every day,I hear from Americans who are feeling firsthand the pain of this recession; these are folks who share their stories with me in letters and at town hall meetings; folks who remain in my mind and on my agenda each and every day.I know that there are countless families and businesses struggling to just hang on until this storm passes. But I also know that if we do the things we know we must, this storm will pass. And it will yield to a brighter day. 第四篇：美国总统奥巴马每周电台演讲09.04美国总统奥巴马每周电台演讲09.04 Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address The White House September3, 2011 At the end of September, if Congress doesn’t act, funding for our roads and bridges will expire. This would put a stop to highway construction, bridge repair, mass transit systems and other important projects that keep our country moving quickly and safely. And it would affect thousands of construction workers and their families who depend on the jobs created by these projects to make ends meet. Usually, renewing this transportation bill is a no-brainer. In fact, Congress has renewed it seven times over the last two years. But thanks to political posturing in Washington, they haven’t been able to extend it this time – and the clock is running out. Allowing this bill to expire would be a disaster for our infrastructure and our economy. Right away, over 4,000 workers would be furloughed without pay. If it’s delayed for just 10 days, we will lose nearly $1 billion in highway funding that we can never get back. And if we wait even longer, almost 1 million workers could be in danger of losing their jobs over the next year. Those are serious consequences, and the pain will be felt all across the country. In Virginia, 19,000 jobs are at risk. In Minnesota, more than 12,000. And in Florida, over 35,000 peo ple could be out of work if Congress doesn’t act. That makes no sense –and it’s completely avoidable. There’s no reason to put more jobs at risk in an industry that has been one of the hardest-hit in this recession. There’s no reason to cut off fundin g for transportation projects at a time when so many of our roads are congested; so many of our bridges are in need of repair; and so many businesses are feeling the cost of delays. This isn’t a Democratic or a Republican issue –it’s an American issue. Th at’s why, last week, I was joined at the White House by representatives from the AFL-CIO and the Chamber of Commerce –two groups who don’t always see eye-to-eye, but who agree that it’s critically important for our economy that Congress act now. That’s also why 128 mayors from both parties wrote to Congress asking them to come together and pass a clean extension. These are the local leaders who are on the ground every day, and who know what would happen to their communities if Congress fails to act. So I’m calling on Congress, as soon as they come back, to pass a clean extension of the transportation bill to keep workers on the job, keep critical projects moving forward, and to give folks a sense of security. There’s a lot of talk in Washington these day s about creating jobs. But it doesn’t help when those same folks turn around and risk losing hundreds of thousands of jobs just because of political gamesmanship. We need to pass this transportation bill and put people to work rebuilding America. We need to put our differences aside and do the right thing for our economy. And now is the time to act. 第五篇：奥巴马每周电台演讲09.10.10奥巴马每周电台演讲09.10.10 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ___________________________________________________________For Immediate Release October 10, 2009 WEEKLY ADDRESS: President Obama Praises Emerging Consensus on Health Insurance Reform East Room WASHINGTON – Inhis weekly address, President Barack Obama praised past and current political leaders from across the spectrum who have come forward to support reform. Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and drug companies have already expressed their support. In the past several days Governor Schwarzenegger, Mayor Bloomberg, former Senate Major Leader Bob Dole, and former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, among others, have all come forward to say that the status quo is unsustainable and that now is the time to reform the system. They see that this is a not a Democratic or a Republican problem, but an American one in need of a solution. The full audio of the address is HERE. The video can be viewed online at . Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Washington, DC October 10, 2009 The historic movement to bring real, meaningful health insurance reform to the American people gathered momentum this week as we approach the final days of this debate. Having worked on this issue for the better part of a year, the Senate Finance Committee is finishing deliberations on their version of a health insurance reform bill that will soon be merged with other reform bills produced by other Congressional committees. After evaluating the Finance Committee’s bill, the Congressional Budget Office –an office that provides independent, nonpartisan analysis –concluded that the legislation would make coverage affordable for millions of Americans who don’t have it today. It will bring greater security to Americans who have coverage, with new insurance protections. And, by attacking waste and fraud within the system, it will slow the growth in health care costs, without adding a dime to our deficits. This is another milestone on what has been a long, hard road toward health insurance reform. In recent months, we’ve heard every side of every argument from both sides of the aisle. And rightly so – health insurance reform is a complex and critical issue that deserves a vigorous national debate, and we’ve had one. The approach that is emerging includes the best ideas from Republicans and Democrats, and people across the political sp ectrum. In fact, what’s remarkable is not that we’ve had a spirited debate about health insurance reform, but the unprecedented consensus that has come together behind it. This consensus encompasses everyone from doctors and nurses to hospitals and drug manufacturers. And earlier this week, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg came out in support of reform, joining two former Republican Senate Majority Leaders: Bob Dole and Dr. Bill Frist, himself a cardiac surgeon. Dr. Louis Sullivan, Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George H.W. Bush, supports reform. As does Republican Tommy Thompson, a former Wisconsin governor and Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush. These distinguished leaders understand that health insurance reform isn’t a Democratic issue or a Republican issue, but an American issue that demands a solution. Still, there are some in Washington today who seem determinedto play the same old partisan politics, working to score political points, even if it means burdening this country with an unsustainable status quo.A status quo of rising health care costs that are crushing our families, our businesses, and our government. A status quo of diminishing coverage that is denying millions of hardworking Americans the insurance they need.A status quo that gives big insurance companies the power to make arbitrary decisions about your health care. That is a status quo I reject. And that is a status quo the American people reject. The distinguished former Congressional leaders who urged us to act on health insurance reform spoke of the historic moment at hand and reminded us that this moment will not soon come again. They called on members of both parties seize this opportunity to finally confront a problem that has plagued us for far too long. That is what we are called to do at this moment. That is the spirit of national purpose that we must summon right now. Now is the time to rise above the politics of the moment. Now is the time to come together as Americans. Now is the time to meet our responsibilities to ourselves and to our children, and secure a better, healthier future for generations to come. That future is within our grasp. So, let’s go finish the j ob.。