10月21日VOA聽力：美國財務絕壁末了刻日將至
It has been nearly a month since House SpeakerJohn Boehner announced his departure.
No successor has been identified, much lesschosen. Congressman Paul Ryan, the 2012Republican vice presidential nominee, continues toresist the intense pressure from party elders toseek the post. A leadership vacuum could force Boehner to postpone his retirement and leada fractured Republican caucus as momentous deadlines loom.
Last week, the Treasury Department informed Boehner the U.S. government risks running outof funds by November 3 unless the federal borrowing limit is increased.
It would put the United States at real risk for the very first time in our history of not being ableto pay our bills.
Many Republicans, especially those running for higher office are reluctant to raise the debtceiling reforms to improve America's fiscal health.
So, We have a $19 trillion debt. The reason why that is a problem is we only have an $18 trillioneconomy.
President Barack Obama has ruled out negotiations over the borrowing limit, arguing it'sCongress'duty to avoid a catastrophic U.S. debt default.
Increasing the debt limit does not authorize any new spending. It simply allows the Treasury topay for expenditures that Congress themselves already have approved.
In addition to the debt ceiling deadline, Congress has until December 11 to extend the U.S.government's spending authority or risk another partial federal shutdown. Discussionsbetween the White House and congressional leaders are reportedly progressing on a longerterm spending deal, but until a new House speaker is chosen, it is not clear who would see adeal to fruition or bring it up for a vote.
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