2014英语四级听力练习慢速4.2(1)_大学英语听力

2014英语四级听力练习慢速4.2(1)

　　There was little disagreement in the group about the causes of the current political problems in Washington. The Democratic Party has controlled the White House and the Senate in recent years. Republicans have held a majority in the House of Representatives. This combination, the speakers said, has led to inaction on major issues.

　　The situation has become such a problem that some lawmakers have decided to leave Congress. Republican Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine decided not to seek re-election in because she was tired of the political gridlock.

　　Its all about the next election. It isnt about what we can do to craft the best policies to solve the problems. Absent in all of this is that they are not problem-solving anymore. It is always [about] scoring political points.

　　Political observers note that members of Congress used to socialize more with each other. They also met more often with the president. He would use social events and personal meetings to find compromises on major issues of the day.

　　Today, observers say, there is less interaction among lawmakers from different parties. Victoria Kennedy would like to change that. She was married to Senator Edward Kennedy, who died in . He was a Democrat and co-founder of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. Victoria Kennedy says Americans have to speak out and ask lawmakers to meet.

　　I think the people need to speak out and say this isnt what we want of our government, this isnt what we want of our elected representatives, and we want you to break bread together.