【奥巴马演讲】采用平衡策略消减赤字，而非自动减赤(2/4)

英语自学网

Hint:
        Head Start
        Alzheimer's
But the budget process takes time. And right now, if Congress doesn't act by March 1, a series of harmful, automatic cuts to job-creating investment and defense spending – also known as the sequester – are scheduled to take effect. And the result could be a huge blow to middle-class families and our economy as a whole.
If the sequester is allowed to go forward, thousands of Americans who work in fields like national security, education or clean energy are likely to be laid off. Firefighters and food inspectors could also find themselves out of work – leaving our communities vulnerable. Programs like Head Start would be cut, and lifesaving research into diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's could be scaled back. Small businesses could be prevented from getting the resources and support they need to keep their doors open. People with disabilities who are waiting for their benefits could be forced to wait even longer. All our economic progress could be put at risk.