看新聞學英語 CNN 10 新聞 | First came the earthquake. Now the floods

🌍 從自然災害到即將到來的政治最後期限，世界正面臨重大挑戰。想知道美國國會如何應對可能的政府關門危機以及對毀滅性洪水的人道援助？立即觀看 CNN 全部報導，並透過我們的最新部落格文章提升你的英文能力！📖💬 

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這節新聞以 CNN 的 KY Wire 開場，他簡要分享了最近與運動員 Simone Biles 和 Jordan Chiles 的採訪經歷。隨後焦點轉向美國華盛頓特區的重大政治新聞，美國國會面臨 9 月 30 日前通過預算案的迫切期限。如果未能通過，可能導致政府關門，因為根據美國憲法，所有政府支出都必須經國會批准。這篇報導強調了如果未能及時達成協議，將會帶來的潛在後果。

此外，還報導了當前的自然災害，特別提到了一場地震後更為嚴重的洪水。這些洪水正影響著已受地震破壞的多個地區，節目強調了正在進行的援助行動，旨在幫助受災社區。

美國國會正在爭分奪秒，因為通過關鍵預算案的最後期限即將於 9 月 30 日到來。如果未能及時行動，可能會導致政府關門，影響基本服務。此外，受到地震和隨後洪水影響的地區的人道援助行動也在加緊進行，這場自然災害加劇了許多社區本已嚴峻的局勢。

Vocabulary:

1. Legislator: A person who makes laws. Example: "The legislators are working hard to pass the bill before the deadline."
2. Appropriate: Set aside for a specific use. Example: "The government must only spend money that has been appropriately allocated."
3. Humanitarian: Concerned with human welfare. Example: "The humanitarian efforts are focused on providing aid to flood victims."

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Rewrite the main content story of the video according to three levels of English language learning.
根據3種英語學習等級改寫新聞影片主要內容故事。

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Reading Passage for University Students

Government Shutdown Looms Over the United States

As September 30th approaches, the United States faces the very real possibility of a government shutdown. If Congress fails to pass a spending bill by this date, many federal agencies and services will cease to operate, except for those considered essential. This political deadlock stems from deep disagreements between lawmakers on how to allocate the government’s budget for the next fiscal year. A shutdown would result in a significant disruption to federal operations and could have far-reaching consequences, both domestically and internationally.

The U.S. Constitution explicitly grants Congress the power to control government spending, often referred to as the "power of the purse." This system ensures that the executive branch cannot spend federal funds without approval from the legislative branch. However, this also means that when Congress cannot agree on a spending bill, the government runs out of money to operate. The new fiscal year begins on October 1st, and without the necessary appropriations, non-essential government functions will stop.

Historically, government shutdowns have occurred due to political deadlock, often when different political parties control the Senate, House of Representatives, or presidency. In this case, the primary points of contention revolve around defense spending, social welfare programs, and infrastructure investment. Each party has its priorities, and the inability to compromise on a balanced budget has led to the current impasse. While negotiations continue, there is increasing concern that the two sides may not reach an agreement in time.

If a shutdown occurs, millions of federal workers will either be furloughed or required to work without pay. In the past, essential personnel, such as those in law enforcement, air traffic control, and military operations, have been required to continue working, though they do not receive their paychecks until the government reopens. Non-essential employees, including those working in national parks, museums, and government offices, are typically sent home without pay until the shutdown is resolved.

The impact of a shutdown extends far beyond federal employees. Private companies that rely on government contracts could see work halted, which in turn affects their own employees and operations. Similarly, businesses in areas heavily populated by federal workers, such as Washington, D.C., may experience a downturn in economic activity. Small businesses that depend on federal programs or licenses could also face delays and losses.

The broader economic impact of a shutdown can be severe, especially if it is prolonged. The government plays a crucial role in maintaining the economy's stability by providing services, regulating industries, and ensuring the smooth operation of various sectors. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, which lasted 35 days, the U.S. economy lost an estimated $11 billion. The longer a shutdown lasts, the greater the economic damage, both in terms of immediate losses and long-term repercussions. For example, during the 2013 shutdown, delays in processing business licenses, mortgages, and tax refunds caused significant financial strain for many households and companies.

Internationally, a U.S. government shutdown can harm the country's reputation. The United States, often seen as a model of democratic governance, faces scrutiny when its government cannot function effectively. Prolonged shutdowns may erode trust in the U.S. political system and its leadership on the global stage. Furthermore, critical diplomatic functions may be limited during a shutdown, including negotiations with foreign governments and participation in international organizations.

Political deadlock is at the heart of the current crisis. Lawmakers are divided on how to allocate funding for key programs. Some advocate for increased military spending, citing national security concerns, while others prioritize social programs that support healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The lack of a consensus reflects the deep ideological divides within American politics, and both sides are under pressure from their constituents to hold firm in negotiations.

Public reaction to the prospect of a shutdown has been mixed. While many Americans are frustrated with Congress’s inability to reach a deal, others view the standoff as a necessary part of the democratic process. The media has closely followed the negotiations, providing daily updates on the likelihood of a shutdown and its potential effects. Federal workers, in particular, are anxiously awaiting the outcome, as their livelihoods depend on the government’s ability to function smoothly.

In addition to federal workers, citizens who rely on government services are also at risk of being affected by the shutdown. Programs such as food assistance, public healthcare, and housing subsidies could experience delays, leaving vulnerable populations without the support they need. Furthermore, sectors such as environmental protection, scientific research, and education often face budget cuts or temporary suspensions during a shutdown, stalling progress on important initiatives.

Despite the severity of the situation, shutdowns are not uncommon in U.S. history. The 2018-2019 shutdown, which spanned 35 days, was the longest in the country’s history. During this period, 800,000 federal workers were furloughed, and countless services were halted, including food inspections and national park maintenance. Although back pay was eventually provided to federal employees, the financial strain during the shutdown was significant. Moreover, the disruption to government services had a cascading effect on the economy, slowing growth in various sectors and affecting public confidence.

As Congress approaches its September 30th deadline, the stakes are high. If lawmakers cannot reach a compromise, the U.S. will face another shutdown, with unpredictable consequences. The situation highlights the challenges of governing in a politically polarized environment, where compromise is increasingly difficult to achieve. Moving forward, both parties must consider not only their political priorities but also the well-being of the millions of Americans who depend on the government’s continued operation.

Vocabulary for University Students

1. Appropriations: Funds set aside by formal action for a specific use.
   Example: Congress debated the appropriations for defense spending and social programs.
2. Furloughed: Temporarily laid off from work without pay.
   Example: Thousands of federal employees were furloughed during the government shutdown.
3. Ideological: Based on a system of ideas, especially concerning politics or economics.
   Example: The ideological divide between the two parties made negotiations difficult.
4. Constituents: The people politicians represent, often voters in a specific district.
   Example: Lawmakers must consider the views of their constituents when making decisions.
5. Fiscal Policy: Government policies regarding taxation and spending.
   Example: The debate over fiscal policy has intensified as the deadline approaches.
6. Partisan: Strong support for a particular political party or cause.
   Example: The debate in Congress was highly partisan, with little room for compromise.
7. Diplomatic Functions: Activities related to managing a country’s relationships with other nations.
   Example: Diplomatic functions may be affected if the government shuts down.
8. Public Trust: The confidence citizens have in their government’s ability to govern effectively.
   Example: A prolonged shutdown could damage public trust in the government.
9. Economic Repercussions: The economic effects or consequences of an event or action.
   Example: The shutdown had significant economic repercussions, particularly for small businesses.
10. Geopolitical: Relating to international politics, especially regarding the influence of geography.
    Example: The geopolitical impact of a U.S. shutdown could weaken its position globally.

Grammar Focus

1. Subjunctive Mood: Used to express hypothetical or uncertain situations.
   Example: If Congress were to fail in passing the bill, the consequences could be severe.
2. Complex Sentences with Multiple Clauses:
   Example: While many federal workers would continue working without pay, others would be furloughed, and government services would come to a halt.

Gap Fill

Congress is currently facing a significant _______________(1) as the deadline to pass a _______________(2) bill approaches. If a shutdown occurs, millions of federal workers may be _______________(3) or required to work without pay. The debate between lawmakers has created a _______________(4), with both sides unwilling to compromise. The _______________(5) impact of a prolonged shutdown could be severe, affecting government services, the economy, and international relations.

1. _______________(1)
2. _______________(2)
3. _______________(3)
4. _______________(4)
5. _______________(5)

Answers:

1. Deadline
2. Spending
3. Furloughed
4. Political deadlock
5. Economic

Listening Exercise

1. What is at the heart of the disagreement in Congress?
   A. How to increase taxesB. How to allocate government fundsC. When to hold the next electionD. How to increase defense spending
2. How does a government shutdown affect federal workers?
   A. They are paid doubleB. They continue working as usualC. They are furloughed or work without payD. They are sent home permanently
3. Which international consequence is mentioned in the passage?
   A. Diplomatic relations may be affectedB. Foreign trade will stop completelyC. The U.S. military will pull back from international operationsD. Tourism to the U.S. will increase
4. How long did the 2018-2019 shutdown last?
   A. 14 daysB. 21 daysC. 28 daysD. 35 days
5. Why is the public particularly concerned about this shutdown?
   A. It affects only military personnelB. The government’s ability to operate is in questionC. It will cause taxes to increaseD. The government will not fund education programs

Answers:

1. B
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. B

Speaking Exercises

1. Debate: Should federal workers be required to work without pay during a government shutdown? Discuss the ethical and practical implications.
2. Discussion: Analyze the economic consequences of a prolonged shutdown on both domestic and international levels.
3. Presentation: Research and present on how government shutdowns affect public trust in democratic institutions.
4. Panel Discussion: Imagine you are lawmakers. Discuss possible solutions to avoid future shutdowns, considering the needs of both political parties and the public.
5. Critical Analysis: Discuss the role of fiscal policy in maintaining economic stability. How does political deadlock affect fiscal responsibility?

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