VOA常速英语:US Lawmakers Point Fingers as Funding Deadline Looms(翻译)

While many Americans are focused on the presidential contest, Washington is careening towards a funding deadline that could become a major distraction for both political parties if non-essential government services grind to a halt weeks before the November elections.
就在许多美国人正聚焦总统竞选的时候，华盛顿却将目光转向了融资的最后期限，如果在11月份大选结果公布之前几周慢慢叫停一些非必要的政府服务，那这一最后期限对双方政党可能都会是一个重大的干扰。

“It is not the time for political games.”
“现在不是开展政治博弈的时候。”

“But it’s something we must deal with. And we will.”
“这是我们必须要做的事情，我们也一定会这么做。”

Not only has Congress failed to pass yearlong spending bills, Republicans and Democrats have yet to agree on the specifics of a temporary extension of current funding levels to avoid a shutdown. Both sides point fingers.
不单是国会没有通过为期一年的开支法案，对于现行融资水平的临时延伸，共和党人和民主党人也没有就其具体细节达成一致意见，以避免政府停摆。双方现在都在推卸责任。

“Democratic obstruction.”
“全是因为民主党的阻碍。”

“The process fell apart across the Rotunda, with the House Republicans.”
“这一进程因为众议院共和党而在整个圆形大厅宣告失败。”

As usual, Republicans and Democrats differ on fiscal priorities.
一如往常，共和党人和民主党人在财政优先权上持有不同意见。

“Six times, six times this body has been blocked by Senate Democrats from considering legislation to fund the Department of Defense, funding necessary for our troops to accomplish their missions.”
“整整六次，有六次这个团体都被参议院民主党议员阻碍了脚步，不能考虑为投资国防部立法，也不能为我们的军队提供必要的经费，完成他们的任务。”

“If you want to increase defense spending, I will vote for that, you also have to increase non-defense spending in a similar fashion, same amount, equal amount. That’s it. Why would we want to increase non-defense spending? Education ... making sure that hungry families across America have enough to eat, making certain that the FBI is adequately funded.”
“如果你们想要增加国防开支，那么我的建议是，以此类推，你也得等量地增加非国防开支。事情就是这样。可我们为什么要增加非国防开支呢？教育…保证全美的贫困家庭能够吃饱，并确保联邦调查局能拿到足够的资助。”

Bipartisan negotiations continue behind closed doors with no indication a breakthrough is near.Anti-Zika efforts are among urgent priorities hanging in the balance.
两党协商仍在秘密进行，而且没有任何迹象表明协商将取得突破性进展。许多迫在眉睫的要务依然悬而未决，寨卡病毒就是其中一个。

"We are in the midst of a public health crisis, and it should be treated like the emergency that it is."
“我们现在正在经历一场公共健康危机，人们处理这场危机就应该拿出应对突发事件的态度来。”

There is one powerful force working in favor of a spending deal: the desire of lawmakers to adjourn and focus on their states and districts in the final weeks before the election.
我们拥有一支强大的势力，其致力于支持开支交易：国会议员们都希望能够延期处理，这样他们就能在大选结果出来之前的最后几周，把精力放到自己所在的州和地区。

“We are working fewer days in Washington than we have in 60 years.I showed this calendar to people at home.They thought I was kidding.”
“我们现如今在华盛顿工作的时间与过去60年间相比有所减少。我在家把这个日程表拿给大家看，他们还都以为我在开玩笑。”

For now, no one can make any firm predictions.
目前，没人能够做出有十足把握的预测。

“When we reach an agreement, we will let you know.”
“等我们达成共识以后，会尽快把结果告诉大家。”