OWNED BY PARROT01

President Bush’s 2008 State of the Union Address

布什总统2008年国情咨文

Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:

总统：议长女士、切尼副总统、各位国会议员、尊贵的来宾以及各位同胞：

Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We have faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it’s fair to say we’ve answered that call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.

我第一次站在这个讲坛上向各位发表国情咨文演说是在七年以前。当时，我国经受了我们大家都无法预见的考验。我们必须就和平与战争、世界经济中日益激烈的竞争以及我国公民的健康与福祉作出艰难的抉择。这些问题要求我们展开激烈的辩论，我认为，可以公平地说，我们响应了这一召唤。而且历史将会见证，我们虽有分歧，但采取了果断行动。我们共同向世人展示了美国民治制度的力量和韧性。

All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people’s business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. And it remains our charge to keep.

我们在座的各位受命来到华盛顿都是要为民服务。这是这个机构的使命。这是我们的誓言的含义。这始终是我们应当履行的职责。

The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our Nation long after this session has ended. In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. And let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.

第110届国会采取的行动在其任期结束后仍将对我国的安全与繁荣产生深远影响。在这个大选年，让我们向美国同胞们表明我们深知自己的责任，并决心履行职责。让我们向他们表明共和党人和民主党人能在为赢得选票而竞争的同时为争取实效而合作。

From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we have made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done.

从扩大机遇到保护国土，我们已取得长足进展。但我们还有很多工作要做，而美国人民要求我们完成这些工作。

In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our Nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. So in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free people to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives and their futures.

在今后的工作中，我们必须奉行那些把我国造就成一个伟大国家的原则。作为美国人，我们相信个人能够掌握自己的命运并影响历史的进程。我们相信普通公民的集体智慧是我国最可靠的指南。因此，我们不论做什么，都必须相信自由的人民有能力作出明智的决定，并让他们有力量改善自己的生活和前途。

To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. And at kitchen tables across our country, there is concern about our economic future.

为建设一个繁荣的未来，我们必须让人民支配自己的钱财，并让他们有能力推动我国经济增长。今晚我们在这里集会之时，我国经济正处于一个充满变数的时期。美国的就业机会连续52个月持续增加，打破了历史纪录，但目前的增速有所减缓。工资水平得到提高，但食品和汽油价格也不断上涨。出口正在增加，但房产市场却出现下滑。美国各地的家庭都在饭桌上谈论著对我国经济前景的担忧。

In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth. But in the short run, we can all see that growth is slowing. So last week, my administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment. The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable. This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible.

从长远来看，美国人应当对我国的经济增长抱有信心。但在短期内，我们都看出增长速度正在减缓。因此，本届政府于上周同佩洛西(Pelosi)议长和共和党领袖博纳(Boehner)就一套强有力的增长计划达成了协议，其中包括针对个人和家庭的退税计划以及鼓励企业投资的计划。人们难免希望增加议案的内容，但这样做会使议案拖延或脱轨，而这两种结果都是不可接受的。(掌声) 这是一项很好的协议，能保持我国经济增长，并保障人民就业。本届国会必须尽快通过这项议案。

We have other work to do on taxes. Unless the Congress acts, most of the tax relief we have delivered over the past 7 years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm, and I am pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.

我们在税收方面还有其他工作有待完成。除非本届国会采取行动，否则我们七年来实施的大多数减税计划将由于到期而被废弃。华盛顿的某些人士声称让减税计划到期作废并不是提高税率。请这些人向1.16亿美国纳税人作出解释，他们要缴纳的税款为什么将平均增加1,800美元。还有一些人声称他们乐意付更高的税。我赞赏他们的热情，并乐意告诉他们国税局(IRS)既收支票也收汇票。

Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry about the Federal government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks. There is only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: make the tax relief permanent. And members of Congress should know: If any bill raising taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it.

大多数美国人都认为他们要付的税够高的了。美国家庭承受著种种经济压力，不应当再让他们担心联邦政府要从他们的收入中扣除更大的一部分。消除这种顾虑的惟一办法是将减税政策永久化。各位国会议员都应当知道：任何一项增税议案如果送到我这里，都会被我否决。

Just as we trust Americans with their own money, we need to earn their trust by spending their tax dollars wisely. Next week, I will send you a budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs totaling more than $18 billion. And this budget will keep America on track for a surplus in 2012. American families have to balance their budgets, and so should their government.

就像我们相信美国人民会合理理财，我们也需要理智地使用他们缴纳的税金，以赢得他们的信任。下一周，我将向各位提交一份预算，终止和大幅削减151项浪费性或过分膨胀的项目，其总额超过180亿美元。按照我将提交的预算，美国可于2012年实现财政盈余。美国家庭必须平衡预算，他们的政府也应当这样做。

The people’s trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks — special interest projects that are often snuck in at the last minute, without discussion or debate. Last year, I asked you to voluntarily cut the number and cost of earmarks in half. I also asked you to stop slipping earmarks into committee reports that never even come to a vote. Unfortunately, neither goal was met. So this time, if you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I will send it back to you with my veto. And tomorrow, I will issue an Executive Order that directs Federal agencies to ignore any future earmark that is not voted on by the Congress. If these items are truly worth funding, the Congress should debate them in the open and hold a public vote.

人民对自己政府的信任受到了国会专项拨款（earmarks）的损害，一些特殊利益项目常常在最后一刻被偷偷塞了进来，既不讨论，也不辩论。去年，我请你们自动将专项拨款的数目和金额减少一半。我还请你们停止把从未经过表决的专项拨款偷偷塞进委员会的报告中。令人遗憾的是，两个目标都没有达到。因此，这一次，如果你们送给我一份未能将专项拨款的数目和金额减少一半的拨款法案，我就会否决它，把它退还给你们。明天，我将发布一个行政令，指示联邦机构将来不要理睬任何未经国会表决的专项拨款。如果这些项目确实值得花费资金，国会应该就其进行公开辩论，公开投票表决。

Our shared responsibilities extend beyond matters of taxes and spending.

我们的共同责任不限于征税和开支。

On housing, we must trust Americans with the responsibility of homeownership and empower them to weather turbulent times in the housing market. My administration brought together the HOPE NOW alliance, which is helping many struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. The Congress can help even more. Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernize the Federal Housing Administration, and allow state housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to help homeowners refinance their mortgages. These are difficult times for many American families, and by taking these steps, we can help more of them keep their homes.

在住房领域，我们必须让美国人能够担起房屋所有人的责任，让他们有能力渡过房产市场的动荡期。本届政府组成了”希望在眼前 “联盟(HOPE NOW)，帮助许多处境艰难的房主避免丧失房屋赎回权。国会可以提供更多的帮助。今晚，我吁请你们通过关于改革房利美公司和房贷美公司(Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac)的法案，并对联邦住房管理局(Federal Housing Administration)进行现代化改造，允许州住房机构发行免税债券，帮助房主重新贷款。美国很多家庭目前正经历难关，通过这些步骤，我们可以帮助更多的人保住房产。

To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options. We share a common goal: making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The best way to achieve that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not government control. So I have proposed ending the bias in the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage within reach for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this year. The Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create association health plans for small businesses, promote health information technology, and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits. With all these steps, we will help ensure that decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor’s office — not in the halls of Congress.

为了建设一个有优质医疗保健的未来，我们必须把医疗决定权交到病人和医生手中，让他们获得更好的信息，拥有更好的选择。我们的一个共同目标是：让所有美国人都更能够负担和得到医疗服务。实现这一目标的最好办法是扩大消费者的选择，而不是政府的控制。因此我已提议，取消税法中对那些无法参加团体医疗保险计划的人不利的条款。此项改革可以使千百万人有能力自行购买保险，我吁请国会今年通过此项立法。国会还必须发展医疗储蓄帐户，为小企业制定联合医疗计划(Association Health Plans)，推动医疗信息技术，并遏制无聊医疗诉讼的泛滥。(掌声)通过采取这些措施，我们将帮助确保个人的医疗决定是在其医生的诊所──而不是在国会的大厅内──作出。

On education, we must trust students to learn if given the chance and empower parents to demand results from our schools. In neighborhoods across our country, there are boys and girls with dreams — and a decent education is their only hope of achieving them. Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act, and today no one can deny its results. Last year, fourth and eighth graders achieved the highest math scores on record. Reading scores are on the rise. And African-American and Hispanic students posted all-time highs. Now we must work together to increase accountability, add flexibility for states and districts, reduce the number of high school dropouts, and provide extra help for struggling schools. members of Congress: The No Child Left Behind Act is a bipartisan achievement. It is succeeding. And we owe it to America’s children, their parents, and their teachers to strengthen this good law.

关于教育，我们必须相信，学生只要有机会就会学习；必须让父母有权利要求学校展示教学效果。全国各地社区都有满怀理想的学生──良好的教育是他们实现理想的惟一希望。六年前，我们共同通过了《不让任何一个孩子掉队法》(No Child Left Behind Act)；今天，它的成果无可否认。去年，四年级和八年级学生的数学分数达到最高纪录。阅读成绩正在提高。非洲裔和拉丁裔学生的成绩达到历史最高水平。现在我们必须共同努力，加强问责制，给予州和地区更大的灵活性，减少高中辍学率，为面临困难的学校提供更多帮助。各位议员：《不让任何一个孩子掉队法》是两党的共同成就，它正在取得成功。我们有责任为美国儿童、他们的父母和他们的老师加强这一良好的法律。

We must also do more to help children when their schools do not measure up. Thanks to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships you approved, more than 2,600 of the poorest children in our nation’s capital have found new hope at a faith-based or other non-public school. Sadly, these schools are disappearing at an alarming rate in many of America’s inner cities. So I will convene a White House summit aimed at strengthening these lifelines of learning. And to open the doors of these schools to more children, I ask you to support a new $300 million program called Pell Grants for Kids. We have seen how Pell Grants help low-income college students realize their full potential. Together, we have expanded the size and reach of these grants. Now let’s apply that same spirit to help liberate poor children trapped in failing public schools.

我们还必须付出更大努力帮助在落后学校中的孩子。你们批准的哥伦比亚特区机会奖学金(D.C. Opportunity Scholarships)使我国首都的2600多名最贫困儿童从一个教会学校和其他非公立学校获得了新的希望。可悲的是，这类学校正在以令人不安的速度从许多美国城市的市区中大批消失。为巩固这些学习的生命线，我将召集一次白宫高峰会议。为了向更多的孩子敞开这些学校的大门，我请你们支持一项3亿美元的”佩尔儿童助学金”(Pell Grants for Kids)新项目。我们已经看到佩尔助学金如何使低收入家庭的大学生充分实现了他们的潜力。我们通过共同努力，扩大了这些赠款的规模和受益人数。现在，让我们以同样的精神来帮助贫困儿童从瘫痪的公立学校中解放出来。

On trade, we must trust American workers to compete with anyone in the world and empower them by opening up new markets overseas. Today, our economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American goods, crops, and services all over the world. So we are working to break down barriers to trade and investment wherever we can. We are working for a successful Doha round of trade talks, and we must complete a good agreement this year. At the same time, we are pursuing opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements.

在贸易问题上，我们必须相信美国劳工有与世界上任何人进行竞争的能力，并通过在国外开辟新市场加强他们的竞争力。今天，我国的经济增长越来越依赖于我们在世界各地出售美国商品、农产品和服务的能力。因此，我们正在一切可能的领域努力拆除贸易和投资壁垒。我们正在为多哈回合贸易谈判的成功而努力，我们必须在今年达成一项好的协议。同时，我们正在通过签定自由贸易协定的途径寻求打开新市场的机会。

I thank the Congress for approving a good agreement with Peru. Now I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. Many products from these nations now enter America duty-free, yet many of our products face steep tariffs in their markets. These agreements will level the playing field. They will give us better access to nearly 100 million customers. And they will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say “Made in the USA.”

我感谢国会批准了与秘鲁签定的好协定。现在，我请你们批准与哥伦比亚、巴拿马和韩国签定的协定。目前，这些国家的很多产品免关税进入美国，而我们的很多产品在这些国家的市场上却面临过高的关税。这些协定将创造平等的竞争条件。这些协定将为近一亿名顾客购买我国产品提供便利。这些协定将有助于世界上最优秀的工人保持良好的就业机会：在他们的产品上标有”美国制造”的字样。

These agreements also promote America’s strategic interests. The first agreement that will come before you is with Colombia, a friend of America that is confronting violence and terror and fighting drug traffickers. If we fail to pass this agreement, we will embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere. So we must come together, pass this agreement, and show our neighbors in the region that democracy leads to a better life.

这些协定还将推进美国的战略利益。最先请你们审议的将是与哥伦比亚签定的协定，美国的这一友邦正在勇敢地抗击暴力与恐怖，打击毒品贩子。如果我们不能批准这项协定，我们就将使本半球兜售虚假民粹主义的人更加肆无忌惮。因此，我们必须一致行动，通过这项协定，向本地区的邻国表明，民主会带来更美好的生活。

Trade brings better jobs, better choices, and better prices. Yet for some Americans, trade can mean losing a job, and the Federal government has a responsibility to help. I ask the Congress to reauthorize and reform trade adjustment assistance, so we can help these displaced workers learn new skills and find new jobs.

贸易创造更好的就业机会、更好的选择、更低廉的价格。但对有些美国人来说，贸易会导致失业，联邦政府有责任提供帮助。我请国会重新授权和改革贸易调整补助，以便帮助这些失业工人掌握新技能，找到新工作。

To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology. Our security, our prosperity, and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. Last year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the next decade, and you responded. Together we should take the next steps: Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride. The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change. And the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more efficient technology.

为了保障未来的能源，我们必须相信美国科研工作者和企业家的创造才智，使他们有能力开发新一代的清洁能源技术。我们的安全、我们的繁荣和我们的环境都要求我们减少对石油的依赖。去年，我促请你们通过未来10年减少油耗的法案，你们作出了响应。我们应该共同采取下列步骤：让我们为研发捕获碳排放的燃煤发电技术提供资金。让我们增加可再生动力和无排放核动力的使用。让我们继续对先进的电池燃料技术和可再生燃料进行投资，为未来的轿车和卡车提供动力。让我们设立新的国际清洁技术基金，帮助印度和中国等发展中国家更多地利用清洁能源。让我们达成一项有可能减缓和停止增加并最终减少温室气体排放的国际协议。要使这项协议产生效果，每个主要经济体都必须作出承诺，任何国家都不能坐享其成。美国致力于加强本国的能源安全，积极应对全球气候变化。实现这些目标的最佳途径就是美国继续带头开发更清洁、更高效的技术。

To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow. Last year, the Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge. So I ask the Congress to double Federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on earth.

要保持美国的竞争力，我们就必须相信我国科技工作者和工程人员的技能，使他们有能力去实现明天的突破。去年，国会通过了支持”提高美国竞争力行动计划” (American Competitiveness Initiative)的法案，但一直未能提供资金。提供资金对保持我国的科技优势是必不可少的。因此，我诚请国会将极为重要的对物理科学基础研究的资助加倍，确保美国继续是世界上最有活力的国家。

On matters of science and life, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries. In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life. So we are expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. So I call on the Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life.

在生命与科学的问题上，我们必须相信医学科研工作者的创新精神，使他们有能力发现新的治疗方法，同时尊重伦理界限。11月，我们看到了一项具有里程碑意义的成就：科学工作者发现了将人体皮肤细胞改造成胚胎干细胞的方法。这一突破有可能使我们摆脱过去加深分歧的争论，扩展医学研究的领域，而无须毁灭人的生命。因此，我们正在扩大对这类符合伦理的医学研究的资助。在探索大有希望的研究途径时，我们还必须确保所有的生命都得到应有的尊重。因此，我吁请国会通过立法，禁止购买、出售、克隆人的生命或就此颁发专利等违反道德的做法。

On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our Founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. I have submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote.

在司法问题上，我们必须相信我国建国先贤的智慧，使懂得宪法真谛的法官获得应有的职权。 我已提交法官提名人，他们将依法作出裁决，而不是敲击木槌，心血来潮地作出裁决。其中很多法官提名人的审议被不公平地拖延。他们都应当获得批准，参议院应立即就每一位提名人进行表决。

In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need. Over the past seven years, more of our fellow citizens have discovered that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. Americans have volunteered in record numbers. Charitable donations are higher than ever. Faith-based groups are bringing hope to pockets of despair, with newfound support from the Federal government. And to help guarantee equal treatment for faith-based organizations when they compete for Federal funds, I ask you to permanently extend Charitable Choice.

在我国各地社区，我们必须相信美国人民是善良的人民，并要让他们能够为有需要的邻人提供服务。过去七年来，我们越来越多的同胞意识到，追求幸福意味著奉献。参与志愿服务的人数创下新高。慈善捐助超过以往任何时候。从联邦政府得到新的支持的信仰组织正为那些困境中的人带来希望。为确保信仰组织在竞争联邦资金时得到平等对待，我提请各位永久性地延长”慈善选择”(Charitable Choice)条款。

Tonight the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Coast. America honors the strength and resilience of the people of this region. We reaffirm our pledge to help them build stronger and better than before. And tonight I am pleased to announce that in April we will host this year’s North American Summit of Canada, Mexico, and the United States in the great city of New Orleans.

今晚，关爱之军正在墨西哥湾沿岸朝向一个新的黎明继续挺进。美国敬佩这一地区人民的顽强力量。我们再次承诺帮助他们[把家园]建设得比过去更牢固、更美好。今晚我欣慰地宣布，4月份我们将在新奥尔良这个伟大城市举办今年的”加墨美北美洲峰会”(North American Summit of Canada, Mexico and the United States)。

There are two other pressing challenges that I have raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration.

我们还面临著另外两个我在国会多次提及、但国会未能作出反应的紧迫挑战：福利开支和移民问题。

Every member in this chamber knows that spending on entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is growing faster than we can afford. And we all know the painful choices ahead if America stays on this path: massive tax increases, sudden and drastic cuts in benefits, or crippling deficits. I have laid out proposals to reform these programs. Now I ask members of Congress to offer your proposals and come up with a bipartisan solution to save these vital programs for our children and grandchildren.

在座各位都知道，社会保障、退休医疗和医疗补助等福利项目的开支增长速度大于我们的承受能力。我们都清楚，如果美国继续这一趋势，未来将面临痛苦的选择：税收大幅增加，福利急剧减少，或者赤字不堪重负。我已提出改革这些项目的方案。现在我请国会议员们提出你们的计划，并制定出跨党派解决方案，为我们的子孙后代保全这些重要项目。

The other pressing challenge is immigration. America needs to secure our borders — and with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. We are increasing worksite enforcement, we are deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings, we have effectively ended the policy of “catch and release” at the border, and by the end of this year, we will have doubled the number of border patrol agents. Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy. This will take pressure off the border and allow law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us harm. We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved. And it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals.

另一紧迫挑战是移民问题。美国需要保护边界──在各位帮助下，本届政府正在采取相关措施。我们正在工作场所加强执法；我们正在设置屏障和采用先进技术阻止非法越境；我们实际上已经终止了边界的”随抓随放”政策；到今年年底，我们将把边防巡逻人员增加一倍。然而，我们也需承认，除非建立一种途径使外籍工人能够合法前来为我国经济贡献力量，否则我们就不可能完全保护边界。这将缓解边界的压力，使执法工作集中于对付图谋危害我们的人。我们还必须找到一种合理和人道的方式处理非法居留者。非法移民问题复杂，但可以解决；我们必须以一种既捍卫我们的法律又维护我们的最高理念的方式予以解决。

This is the business of our nation here at home. Yet building a prosperous future for our citizens also depends on confronting enemies abroad and advancing liberty in troubled regions of the world.

这便是我国的国情。然而，为我国公民建设一个繁荣的未来还有赖于打击国外敌人和促进世界动荡地区的自由事业。

Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the chance, will choose a future of freedom and peace. In the last seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of liberty. We have seen citizens in Georgia and Ukraine stand up for their right to free and fair elections. We have seen people in Lebanon take to the streets to demand their independence. We have seen Afghans emerge from the tyranny of the Taliban to choose a new president and a new parliament. We have seen jubilant Iraqis holding up ink-stained fingers and celebrating their freedom. And these images of liberty have inspired us.

我国的外交政策基于这样一个明确理念：我们相信，如果赋予机会，人们将选择自由与和平的未来。在过去七年里，我们目睹了自由发展史上一些风云激荡的时刻。我们看到格鲁吉亚和乌克兰公民争取自由公正选举的斗争。我们看到黎巴嫩人民走上街头要求独立自主。我们看到阿富汗人民摆脱塔利班暴政并选举了新总统和新议会。我们看到喜气洋洋的伊拉克人民伸出浸有墨汁的手指，欢庆他们的自由。这些自由的画面激励人心。

In the past seven years, we have also seen images that have sobered us. We have watched throngs of mourners in Lebanon and Pakistan carrying the caskets of beloved leaders taken by the assassin’s hand. We have seen wedding guests in blood-soaked finery staggering from a hotel in Jordan, Afghans and Iraqis blown up in mosques and markets, and trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs. And on a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from us in an instant. These horrific images serve as a grim reminder: The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists — evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.

在过去七年时间里，我们也看到令人警醒的画面。在黎巴嫩和巴基斯坦，我们看到抬著被刽子手杀害的敬爱领袖的灵柩的哀悼人流。在约旦，我们看到参加婚礼的宾客礼服上浸透鲜血挣扎著走出宾馆；阿富汗人和伊拉克人在清真寺和街市被炸死；伦敦和马德里的地铁被炸弹炸毁。在9月的一个清朗日子，我们目睹数千名美国同胞瞬刻之间被夺走生命。这些可怕的画面无情地提醒我们：恐怖分子和极端分子反对自由进步──他们是蔑视自由、蔑视美国、妄图将亿万人置于其暴力统治下的邪恶之徒。

Since September 11, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense, we will keep up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to the enemies of America.

自从9.11事件发生以来，我们向这些恐怖分子和极端分子主动出击。我们将保持攻势，保持压力，把我们的敌人绳之以法。

We are engaged in the defining ideological struggle of the 21st century. The terrorists oppose every principle of humanity and decency that we hold dear. Yet in this war on terror, there is one thing we and our enemies agree on: In the long run, men and women who are free to determine their own destinies will reject terror and refuse to live in tyranny. That is why the terrorists are fighting to deny this choice to people in Lebanon,Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Palestinian Territories. And that is why, for the security of America and the peace of the world, we are spreading the hope of freedom.

我们正在进行一场决定21世纪命运的思想斗争。恐怖分子反对我们珍惜的每一项人道与文明的原则。然而在这场反恐战争中，我们和我们的敌人在一件事情上具有相同的看法：长期而言，有权自由决定自己命运的人们最终会抵制恐怖行为，拒绝在暴政统治下生活。这就是恐怖分子为了不让黎巴嫩、伊拉克、阿富汗、巴基斯坦和巴勒斯坦领土的人民享有这种选择而发动攻击的原因。这也是我们──为了美国的安全和世界的和平──正在传播自由的希望的原因。

In Afghanistan, America, our 25 NATO allies, and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people defend their freedom and rebuild their country. Thanks to the courage of these military and civilian personnel, a nation that was once a safe haven for al-Qaida is now a young democracy where boys and girls are going to school, new roads and hospitals are being built, and people are looking to the future with new hope. These successes must continue, so we are adding 3,200 Marines to our forces in Afghanistan, where they will fight the terrorists and train the Afghan Army and police. Defeating the Taliban and al-Qaida is critical to our security, and I thank the Congress for supporting America’s vital mission in Afghanistan.

在阿富汗，美国、美国的25个北约盟国以及15个伙伴国家正在帮助阿富汗人民捍卫他们的自由和重建他们的国家。由于这些军事和文职人员的勇气，一个曾是”基地”组织庇护所的国家现在成了一个儿童上学读书、新的道路与医院正在建造、人民对未来怀著新希望的年轻民主国家。这些成果必须保持，因此我们向驻阿富汗部队增派了3200名海军陆战队员，他们将在阿富汗与恐怖分子作战，并对阿富汗军队和警察进行培训。战胜塔利班与”基地”组织对我国的安全至关重要，我感谢国会对美国在阿富汗重要使命的支持。

In Iraq, the terrorists and extremists are fighting to deny a proud people their liberty and to establish safe havens for attacks across the world. One year ago, our enemies were succeeding in their efforts to plunge Iraq into chaos. So we reviewed our strategy and changed course. We launched a surge of American forces into Iraq. And we gave our troops a new mission: Work with Iraqi forces to protect the Iraqi people, pursue the enemy in its strongholds, and deny the terrorists sanctuary anywhere in the country.

在伊拉克，为了阻止自豪的伊拉克人民获得自由，为了建立一个能够在世界各地发动袭击的庇护所，恐怖分子与极端分子正在进行破坏活动。一年前，我们的敌人在使伊拉克陷入混乱方面一度得逞。因此我们回顾了我们的战略并改变了做法。我们向伊拉克增加了美国的兵力。我们向我们的军队布置了一项新的任务：与伊拉克部队合作保护伊拉克人民，追击躲在堡垒里的敌人，在伊拉克任何地方都不给恐怖分子以藏身之地。

The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened. Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw tens of thousands of American forces flowing into their country. They saw our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists, and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not return. And they saw our troops, along with provincial reconstruction teams that include foreign service officers and other skilled public servants, coming in to ensure that improved security was followed by improvements in daily life. Our military and civilians in Iraq are performing with courage and distinction, and they have the gratitude of our whole nation.

伊拉克人民很快认识到局势发生了重大变化。那些曾经担心美国准备遗弃他们的人却看到数万名美国士兵前来增援他们的国家。他们看到我们的部队进入各个社区，清剿恐怖分子，并留驻下来以确保敌人不再反扑。他们看到我们的部队同包括外交官和其他有各种技能的公仆在内的省级重建队 (Provincial Reconstruction Team)一起进驻，以确保在安全得到加强之后接踵而至的便是日常生活的改善。我们在伊拉克的军事和文职人员勇敢而杰出，我们全国人民感激他们。

The Iraqis launched a surge of their own. In the fall of 2006, Sunni tribal leaders grew tired of al Qaida’s brutality and started a popular uprising called “The Anbar Awakening.” Over the past year, similar movements have spread across the country. And today, this grassroots surge includes more than 80,000 Iraqi citizens who are fighting the terrorists. The government in Baghdad has stepped forward as well — adding more than 100,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police during the past year.

伊拉克人自己的斗争也进入高潮。2006年秋天，逊尼派部落领导人对基地组织的残暴行为忍无可忍，发动了一场名为”安巴尔觉醒”（The Anbar Awakening）的群众运动。过去一年内，类似运动已遍及伊拉克各地。今天，这种基层力量已经壮大至包括正在与恐怖分子战斗的八万多伊拉克公民。巴格达的伊拉克政府也迈出了前进的步伐──在过去一年里增加了10万多名伊拉克士兵与警察。

While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just 1 year ago:

虽然敌人仍然十分危险，我们还有更多工作要做，但美国与伊拉克的增兵措施已取得了我们中很少有人在一年前能够想象的结果。

When we met last year, many said containing the violence was impossible. A year later, high profile terrorist attacks are down, civilian deaths are down, and sectarian killings are down.

去年这个时候，许多人认为限制暴力行为是不可能做到的事情。一年后，重大恐怖主义袭击事件减少了，平民百姓的死亡减少了，教派之间的杀戮减少了。

When we met last year, militia extremists — some armed and trained by Iran — were wreaking havoc in large areas of Iraq. A year later, coalition and Iraqi forces have killed or captured hundreds of militia fighters. And Iraqis of all backgrounds increasingly realize that defeating these militia fighters is critical to the future of their country.

去年这个时候，民兵极端分子──其中一些由伊朗武装和培训──正在伊拉克的广大地区造成严重的破坏。一年后，联盟部队和伊拉克部队已击毙和捕获了数百名民兵战斗人员。具有各种背景的伊拉克人日益认识到战胜这些民兵战斗人员对他们国家的前途至关重要。

When we met last year, al-Qaida had sanctuaries in many areas of Iraq, and their leaders had just offered American forces safe passage out of the country. Today, it is al-Qaida that is searching for safe passage. They have been driven from many of the strongholds they once held, and over the past year, we have captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of key al-Qaida leaders and operatives. Last month, Osama bin Laden released a tape in which he railed against Iraqi tribal leaders who have turned on al-Qaida and admitted that coalition forces are growing stronger in Iraq. Ladies and gentlemen, some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al-Qaida is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated.

去年这个时候， “基地组织”在伊拉克大有栖身之处，其头目当时还给美国军队指出离开伊拉克的安全出路。而今，是”基地组织”在寻找安全出路。他们被赶出了过去盘踞的很多据点，过去一年里，我们在伊拉克捕获和击毙了数千名极端分子，包括”基地组织”的数百名重要头目和成员。上个月，本•拉登 (Osama bin Laden)在公开的一盘录像带中斥责与”基地组织”反目的伊拉克部落领袖，并承认联盟军队在伊拉克日益强大。女士们、先生们，也许有人否认增兵战略正取得成效，但恐怖主义分子对此确知无疑。”基地组织”正在伊拉克逃窜，我们的敌人将被击败。

When we met last year, our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress just described, we are implementing a policy of “return on success,” and the surge forces we sent to Iraq are beginning to come home.

去年这个时候，我们正在向伊拉克增加兵力。今天，由于取得了上述进展，我们正在实施”功成而归”的方针，被派到伊拉克的增援部队开始返回家园。

This progress is a credit to the valor of our troops and the brilliance of their commanders. This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the frontlines. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen: In the past year, you have done everything we have asked of you, and more. Our nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And tonight in this hallowed chamber, with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our nation. And I ask the Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops.

这一进展归功于我们的英勇战士和他们卓越的指挥官。今晚，我要直接对前线的男女将士讲话。陆海空三军战士们、海军陆战队员们、海岸警卫队员们：一年来，你们超量完成了我们交给你们的一切使命。祖国感谢你们的英勇气概，我们为你们的成就而骄傲。今晚，在这个神圣的会议厅，我们面对美国人民向你们庄严保证：在未来的战斗中，你们将得到保卫国家所需的一切。我要求国会履行对这些男女勇士的职责，让我们的部队得到全部拨款。

Our enemies in Iraq have been hit hard. They are not yet defeated, and we can still expect tough fighting ahead. Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase of our strategy. American troops are shifting from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and, eventually, to a protective overwatch mission. As part of this transition, one Army brigade combat team and one Marine Expeditionary Unit have already come home and will not be replaced. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit. Taken together, this means more than 20,000 of our troops are coming home.

伊拉克境内的敌人已受到沉重打击，但他们尚未溃败，未来还有艰苦的搏斗。我们在今后一年中的目标是，保持和扩大2007年的战果，同时向下一战略阶段过渡。美国军队正在从承担主要作战任务转向配合伊拉克部队的行动，最终将转为防护性监测。随著过渡的开始，一个陆军旅作战部队和一支海军陆战队远征队已经归国，并且不再派出换防部队。在未来几个月内，还将有另外四个旅和海军陆战队的两个营相继撤回。这意味著即将有两万多部队返回家园。

Any further drawdown of U.S. troops will be based on conditions in Iraq and the recommendations of our commanders. General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in the “disintegration of the Iraqi security forces, al-Qaida-Iraq regaining lost ground, [and] a marked increase in violence.” Members of Congress: Having come so far and achieved so much, we must not allow this to happen.

美国进一步的减兵计划将取决于伊拉克局势和我军指挥官的建议。彼得雷乌斯上将警告说，过于迅速地削减兵力有可能导致” 伊拉克安全部队解体，”基地组织”卷土重来，暴力激增”。各位议员：时至今日，面对已经取得的进展与战果，我们绝不能让那种情况发生。

In the coming year, we will work with Iraqi leaders as they build on the progress they are making toward political reconciliation. At the local level, Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds are beginning to come together to reclaim their communities and rebuild their lives. Progress in the provinces must be matched by progress in Baghdad. And we are seeing some encouraging signs. The national government is sharing oil revenues with the provinces. The parliament recently passed both a pension law and de-Ba’athification reform. Now they are debating a provincial powers law. The Iraqis still have a distance to travel. But after decades of dictatorship and the pain of sectarian violence, reconciliation is taking place — and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future.

在未来一年中，我们将与伊拉克领导人合作，帮助他们在实现政治和解方面继续取得进展。在地方一级，逊尼派、什叶派和库尔德人开始团结起来，收复社区，重建生活。巴格达必须取得与外省同样的进展。我们已经看到一些令人鼓舞的迹象：中央政府与各省分享石油收入，议会最近通过了养老金法律和允许前复兴党支持者在政府任职的法律，并且正在讨论一部加强省政府权力的法案。伊拉克人仍然有一段很长的路要走。但是，经历了数十年的专制统治和族群冲突的痛苦之后，和解正在成为现实──伊拉克人民正在掌控自己的未来。

The mission in Iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation. But it is in the vital interest of the United States that we succeed. A free Iraq will deny al-Qaida a safe haven. A free Iraq will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty is possible. And a free Iraq will be a friend of America, a partner in fighting terror, and a source of stability in a dangerous part of the world.

对我们的国家而言，在伊拉克承担的使命是困难而艰巨的，但取得成功对美国的利益至关重要。一个自由的伊拉克将不会为”基地组织”提供庇护所。一个自由的伊拉克将向中东地区千百万人民显示自由的未来是能够实现的。一个自由的伊拉克将是美国的朋友和反恐合作伙伴，并将在世界上一个危险的地区促进稳定。

By contrast, a failed Iraq would embolden extremists, strengthen Iran, and give terrorists a base from which to launch new attacks on our friends, our allies, and our homeland. The enemy has made its intentions clear. At a time when the momentum seemed to favor them, al-Qaida’s top commander in Iraq declared that they will not rest until they have attacked us here in Washington. My fellow Americans: We will not rest either. We will not rest until this enemy has been defeated. We must do the difficult work today, so that years from now people will look back and say that this generation rose to the moment, prevailed in a tough fight, and left behind a more hopeful region and a safer America.

相反，一个失败的伊拉克将使极端分子更加狂妄，将加强伊朗的力量，并将为恐怖分子提供一个向我们的朋友、盟国和我们的国土发动新攻击的基地。敌人的图谋已经昭然若揭。曾几何时，当形势看似对他们有利时，伊拉克”基地组织” 的总指挥宣称他们在攻击华盛顿之前绝不罢手。同胞们：我们也不会罢手。我们在打败这个敌人之前绝不会罢手。我们必须现在完成这项困难的工作，这样，未来人们在回顾历史时会说，那一代人临危不惧，承担重任，在艰苦的斗争中取胜，为后代留下了一个更有希望的地区和更安全的美国。

We are also standing against the forces of extremism in the Holy Land, where we have new cause for hope. Palestinians have elected a president who recognizes that confronting terror is essential to achieving a state where his people can live in dignity and at peace with Israel. Israelis have leaders who recognize that a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state will be a source of lasting security. This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do, and I will do, everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year. The time has come for a Holy Land where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side-by-side in peace.

我们还在”圣地”（Holy Land）与极端主义势力斗争，我们有了新的理由对那里充满希望。一位巴勒斯坦人选出的总统认识到，与恐怖势力抗争对建立一个人民享有尊严、与以色列和平共处的巴勒斯坦国至关重要。以色列领导人认识到，一个和平、民主的巴勒斯坦国将促进持久的安全。这个月，我在拉马拉和耶路撒冷向双方领导人保证，美国和我本人都将尽最大努力帮助他们在今年年底前达成一项确立巴勒斯坦国的和平协议。一个民主的以色列和一个民主的巴勒斯坦在”圣地”和平共处的日子已经到来。

We are also standing against the forces of extremism embodied by the regime in Tehran. Iran’s rulers oppress a good and talented people. And wherever freedom advances in the Middle East, it seems the Iranian regime is there to oppose it. Iran is funding and training militia groups in Iraq, supporting Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, and backing Hamas’ efforts to undermine peace in the Holy Land. Tehran is also developing ballistic missiles of increasing range and continues to develop its capability to enrich uranium, which could be used to create a nuclear weapon. Our message to the people of Iran is clear: We have no quarrel with you, we respect your traditions and your history, and we look forward to the day when you have your freedom. Our message to the leaders of Iran is also clear: Verifiably suspend your nuclear enrichment, so negotiations can begin. And to rejoin the community of nations, come clean about your nuclear intentions and past actions, stop your oppression at home, and cease your support for terror abroad. But above all, know this: America will confront those who threaten our troops, we will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf.

我们还在抗击德黑兰政权所代表的极端主义势力。伊朗统治者压迫善良而充满智慧的人民。只要自由在中东任何地方得到发展，伊朗政权似乎都会站出来反对。伊朗正在资助和培训伊拉克的武装组织，帮助黎巴嫩真主党的恐怖主义分子，支持哈马斯在圣地破坏和平的行径。德黑兰还在开发射程越来越远的弹道导弹，并继续发展可用于制造核武器的铀元素的浓缩能力。我们向伊朗人民发出的信号是明确的：我们与你们无争。我们尊重你们的传统和历史。我们期待著有朝一日你们能获得自由。我们向伊朗领导人发出的信号也是明确的：以可核实的方式停止你们的核浓缩计划，以便开始谈判。要想重返国际大家庭，就必须彻底澄清你们的核企图和过去的所作所为，停止你们在国内实行的镇压，不再支持国外的恐怖主义活动。而且首先要明白这一点：美国将打击那些对我军构成威胁的人。我们将支持我们的盟友，我们将捍卫我们在波斯湾至关重要的利益。

On the homefront, we will continue to take every lawful and effective measure to protect our country. This is our most solemn duty. We are grateful that there has not been another attack on our soil since September 11. This is not for a lack of desire or effort on the part of the enemy. In the past six years, we have stopped numerous attacks, including a plot to fly a plane into the tallest building in Los Angeles and another to blow up passenger jets bound for America over the Atlantic. Dedicated men and women in our government toil day and night to stop the terrorists from carrying out their plans. These good citizens are saving American lives, and everyone in this chamber owes them our thanks. And we owe them something more: We owe them the tools they need to keep our people safe.

在国内，我们将继续采取所有既合法又有效的手段来保卫国土。这是我们最庄严的职责。令我们感到欣慰的是，自9.11以来我国没有再遭受袭击。这并不是因为敌人没有这种企图或行为。六年来，我们挫败了无数起袭击，其中包括企图驾机撞毁洛杉矶最高建筑的阴谋以及另一起妄图在大西洋上空炸毁飞往美国的客机的阴谋。我国政府恪尽职守的工作人员为制止恐怖分子实施图谋而日夜操劳。这些优秀公民正在保护美国人民的生命，在座各位都应当向他们表示感谢。

One of the most important tools we can give them is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. To protect America, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying, and what they are planning. Last year, the Congress passed legislation to help us do that. Unfortunately, the Congress set the legislation to expire on February 1. This means that if you do not act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened and our citizens will be in greater danger. The Congress must ensure the flow of vital intelligence is not disrupted. The Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to have assisted in the efforts to defend America. We have had ample time for debate. The time to act is now.

而这还不够，我们应给予他们保障我国人民的安全所必需的工具。我们能给予他们的最重要的工具之一是监控恐怖主义通讯的能力。为了保护美国的安全，我们需要知道恐怖分子在和谁通话，说些什么以及有何图谋。去年，国会通过了有助于我们采取上述行动的立法。但令人遗憾的是，国会限定这项立法于2月1日到期。这意味著如果你们不在星期五之前采取行动，我们追踪恐怖主义威胁的能力就会被削弱，我国公民将处于更危险的境地。国会必须确保重要的情报渠道不被阻断。国会必须通过责任保护法，以保护那些据信在保卫美国的行动中提供了一臂之力的公司。我们已经花费大量的时间进行辩论。现在是采取行动的时候了。

Protecting our nation from the dangers of a new century requires more than good intelligence and a strong military. It also requires changing the conditions that breed resentment and allow extremists to prey on despair. So America is using its influence to build a freer, more hopeful, and more compassionate world. This is a reflection of our national interest and the calling of our conscience.

要保卫国家并防范新世纪的种种威胁，单凭可靠的情报和强大的军队是不够的。还必须改变滋生怨恨、让极端分子乘机利用绝望情绪的环境。因此，美国正在利用其影响力来建设一个更加自由、更有希望、更富同情心的世界。这反映了我们的国家利益，也是我们良心的召唤。

America is opposing genocide in Sudan and supporting freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma.

美国反对苏丹的种族大屠杀。我们支持从古巴到津巴布韦，从白俄罗斯到缅甸的众多国家赢得自由。

America is leading the fight against global poverty, with strong education initiatives and humanitarian assistance. We have also changed the way we deliver aid by launching the Millennium Challenge Account. This program strengthens democracy, transparency, and the rule of law in developing nations, and I ask you to fully fund this important initiative.

美国正在以强有力的教育计划和人道援助领导展开战胜全球贫困的斗争。我们还通过建立”世纪挑战帐户”(Millennium Challenge Account)改变了提供援助的方式。这个项目的宗旨是在发展中国家加强民主，提高透明度并增强法治。我请你们为这项重要的计划提供足够的经费。

America is leading the fight against global hunger. Today, more than half the world’s food aid comes from the United States. And tonight, I ask the Congress to support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance by purchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, so we can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle of famine.

美国正在领导战胜全球饥饿的斗争。今天，全世界一半以上的食品援助来自美国。今晚，我请国会支持一项创新方案，通过直接从发展中国家的农民那里购买农产品来提供食品援助，使我们能够推动当地农业的发展，帮助终止连年饥荒。

America is leading the fight against disease. With your help, we are working to cut by half the number of malaria-related deaths in 15 African nations. And our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is treating 1.4 million people. We can bring healing and hope to many more. So I ask you to maintain the principles that have changed behavior and made this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by approving an additional $30 billion over the next five years.

美国正在领导战胜疾病的斗争。在各位的帮助下，我们正在作出努力，使15个非洲国家与疟疾相关的死亡人数下降一半。我们的”防治艾滋病紧急救援计划” (Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief)正在为140万人提供治疗服务。我们能够治疗更多的人，给他们带去希望。因此，我请你们维护使行为方式得到改变并使这一项目获得成功的原则。我吁请你们批准在今后五年追加拨款300亿美元，将我们承诺用于防治艾滋病病毒/艾滋病的首期拨款翻一番。

America is a force for hope in the world because we are a compassionate people, and some of the most compassionate Americans are those who have stepped forward to protect us. We must keep faith with all who have risked life and limb so that we might live in freedom and peace. Over the past seven years, we have increased funding for veterans by more than 95 percent. As we increase funding, we must also reform our veterans system to meet the needs of a new war and a new generation. I call on the Congress to enact the reforms recommended by Senator Bob Dole and Secretary Donna Shalala, so we can improve the system of care for our wounded warriors and help them build lives of hope, promise, and dignity.

美国在世界上是希望的力量，因为我国人民充满关爱之心，而那些挺身而出保卫我们的人是最有关爱之心的。我们必须守信于那些舍生忘死、使我们能够在自由与和平中生活的人。过去七年来，我们给退伍军人的拨款增加了95%以上。我们在增加拨款的同时──还必须改革我们的退伍军人制度，以满足新型战争和新一代人的需要。我吁请国会实施多尔参议员(Bob Dole)和沙拉拉部长(Donna Shalala)提议实行的改革，使我们能够改进护理我军伤兵的制度，帮助他们建设充满希望、憧憬和尊严的生活。

Our military families also sacrifice for America. They endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for children while a loved one is serving far from home. We have a responsibility to provide for them. So I ask you to join me in expanding their access to childcare, creating new hiring preferences for military spouses across the Federal government, and allowing our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children. Our military families serve our nation, they inspire our Nation, and tonight our nation honors them.

我国的军人家属也为美国作出了牺牲。当亲人在远方服役时，他们忍受了多少个不眠之夜，每天承担著养育子女的重担。我们有责任为他们提供帮助。因此，我请你们和我共同努力，让他们享受到更多子女入托服务，在整个联邦政府内制定优先照顾军属的新的人事政策，并允许军人将他们未使用的教育福利转让给他们的配偶或子女。我军家属为国效力，她们鼓舞著我们这个国家，因此，今晚，全国向她们致敬。

The secret of our strength, the miracle of America, is that our greatness lies not in our government, but in the spirit and determination of our people. When the Federal Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787, our nation was bound by the Articles of Confederation, which began with the words, “We the undersigned delegates.” When Gouverneur Morris was asked to draft the preamble to our new Constitution, he offered an important revision and opened with words that changed the course of our nation and the history of the world: “We the people.”

这种力量──我们的力量的秘密和美国的奇迹是：我们的伟大不在于我国政府，而在于我国人民的精神和意志。联邦制宪会议于1787年在费城召开时，我国就承诺遵循《邦联条例》 (Articles of Confederation)，其开篇是”我们全体签名代表”。当有人请莫里斯(Gouverneur Morris)起草我国新宪法导言时，他提出进行重要的修改，首句便是改变了我国的进程和世界历史的几个字”我们全体人民”。

By trusting the people, our Founders wagered that a great and noble nation could be built on the liberty that resides in the hearts of all men and women. By trusting the people, succeeding generations transformed our fragile young democracy into the most powerful nation on earth and a beacon of hope for millions. And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure, and the State of our Union will remain strong. So tonight, with confidence in freedom’s power, and trust in the people, let us set forth to do their business.

我国的建国先贤通过托信于人民而表达了一种信念，即一个伟大而崇高的国家可以建立在常存于全体人民心中的自由之上。通过托信于人民，后来的一代又一代人将我们脆弱而年轻的民主制度打造成世界上最强大的国家和千百万人的希望灯塔。只要我们继续托信于人民，我国就会繁荣富强，我们的自由就会得到保障，我们的国家就会保持强盛。因此，今晚，让我们怀著对自由力量的信心和对人民的信任，为成其大业而奋斗。