Trump Calls for Unity, Jobs and National Security

In his first speech to Congress, President Donald Trump asked for unity to produce more jobs, protect Americans and improve education. Trump said he would continue to remove undocumented immigrants who commit crimes from the United States. But for the first time, Trump said he is ready to negotiate a plan that would give legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants. “I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation’s security, and to restore respect for our laws,” he said. In his first 40 days as president, Trump has been a divisive president. He has used Twitter to criticize the news media and U.S. intelligence agencies for reporting information critical of him and his administration. He has also put in place a ban on travel to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority nations. The ban was blocked by the courts and criticized by most Democrats.                                                                                                                              In his speech, Trump said America cannot accept immigrants from countries where it is difficult to check for terrorism connections. “We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world,” Trump said. “It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values.” He talked about his presidential campaign, which ended with his surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton last November. “The people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple, but crucial demand, that America must put its own citizens first … because only then, can we truly make America great again,” Trump said. Keeping his promises “Above all else," Trump said, “we will keep our promises to the American people.” One promise he quickly carried out was to withdraw the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal connecting 13 nations. His call Tuesday to repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s national health care plan, known as Obamacare, received the night’s loudest cheers from Republican members of Congress. The speech became emotional when the president introduced the widow of a Navy seal killed last month in a raid in Yemen. Carryn Owens cried and took deep breaths as members of Congress and others in the crowded House chamber offered a long-standing ovation to honor her husband, William "Ryan" Owens. Trump said Owens "laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom — we will never forget him." He said the raid produced large amounts of important intelligence.                                                                                                                           The president said he wants Congress to cut taxes on business and “hardworking” Americans, make work easier for parents raising children. Trump said he would work with Democrats and Republicans to give new parents paid family leave from their jobs, and for new investments in women’s health. Trump also called for a major change in how America decides which immigrants to admit to the United States. "It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially,” Trump said. “Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon." The president also said he wants to protect the environment -- providing clean air and clean water. Democrats, though, criticized his action earlier Tuesday to start pulling back an Obama administration rule that makes small bodies of water subject to the U.S. Clean Water Act. On foreign affairs On foreign affairs, Trump said “America is willing to find new friends and develop new partnerships” to deal with world problems. During the campaign, Trump said he would try to work with Russia to end the deadly military conflict in Syria and defeat Islamic State militants. But reports that Russia worked to leak embarrassing information about Trump’s presidential opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton, led to calls for investigations by Democrats and some Republicans. In his speech, Trump spoke about his plan to increase military spending and fight terrorism. “As promised, I directed the department of defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS, a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians and men women and children of all faiths and beliefs,” Trump said. He used the term “radical Islamic terrorism” to describe the terrorism problem, a term his new national security adviser said is not helpful to fighting the terrorist threat. Reactions to Trump’s speech Republicans welcomed Trump to the U.S. Capitol, where Congress meets. “He’s really focused on doing the things that he ran on,” said Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana. “He’s focused on creating jobs.” Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear gave the Democratic response following Trump’s address. “When the president attacks the loyalty and credibility of our intelligence agencies, the court system, the military, the free press and individual Americans – simply because he doesn’t like what they say – he is eroding our democracy,” Beshear said. Trump began his speech by talking about bomb threats called into Jewish schools and centers, destruction at two Jewish cemeteries and the shooting of two Indian immigrants. The attacks “remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms,” Trump said.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   commit - v. to do something that is illegal or harmful positive - adj. good or useful focus - n. a subject that is being discussed or studied restore - v. to bring back compassionate - adj. feeling or showing concern for someone vetting - n. checking carefully the backgrounds and records of people crucial - adj. very important ovation - n. loud cheers erode - v. taking away cemetery - n. where people are buried after death condemn - v.  to offer sharp criticism

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President Trump's Address to a Joint Session of Congress

Remarks as prepared for delivery   TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:          Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and Citizens of America:      Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains.  Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.      Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice –- in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present.      That torch is now in our hands.  And we will use it to light up the world.  I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.      A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning.      A new national pride is sweeping across our Nation.      And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.      What we are witnessing today is the Renewal of the American Spirit.      Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead.      All the nations of the world -- friend or foe -- will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.      In 9 years, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding -- 250 years since the day we declared our Independence.      It will be one of the great milestones in the history of the world.      But what will America look like as we reach our 250th year? What kind of country will we leave for our children?      I will not allow the mistakes of recent decades past to define the course of our future.      For too long, we've watched our middle class shrink as we've exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries.      We've financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit -- and so many other places throughout our land.      We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross -- and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate.      And we've spent trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled.      Then, in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet.  The rebellion started as a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds -– families who just wanted a fair shot for their children, and a fair hearing for their concerns.      But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus -- as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country.      Finally, the chorus became an earthquake – and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple, but crucial demand, that America must put its own citizens first ... because only then, can we truly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.      Dying industries will come roaring back to life.  Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need.      Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve.      Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our beautiful land.      Our terrible drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately, stop.      And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity.      Above all else, we will keep our promises to the American people.      It's been a little over a month since my inauguration, and I want to take this moment to update the Nation on the progress I've made in keeping those promises.      Since my election, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, General Motors, Sprint, Softbank, Lockheed, Intel, Walmart, and many others, have announced that they will invest billions of dollars in the United States and will create tens of thousands of new American jobs.      The stock market has gained almost three trillion dollars in value since the election on November 8th, a record.  We've saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter, and will be saving billions more dollars on contracts all across our Government.  We have placed a hiring freeze on non-military and non-essential Federal workers.      We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a 5 year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials –- and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government.      We have undertaken a historic effort to massively reduce job‑crushing regulations, creating a deregulation task force inside of every Government agency; imposing a new rule which mandates that for every 1 new regulation, 2 old regulations must be eliminated; and stopping a regulation that threatens the future and livelihoods of our great coal miners.      We have cleared the way for the construction of the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines -- thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs -- and I've issued a new directive that new American pipelines be made with American steel.      We have withdrawn the United States from the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership.      With the help of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have formed a Council with our neighbors in Canada to help ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the networks, markets and capital they need to start a business and live out their financial dreams.      To protect our citizens, I have directed the Department of Justice to form a Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime.      I have further ordered the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, along with the Department of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate an aggressive strategy to dismantle the criminal cartels that have spread across our Nation.      We will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth -- and we will expand treatment for those who have become so badly addicted.      At the same time, my Administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security.  By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone.  We want all Americans to succeed –- but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos.  We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.      For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border. It will be started ahead of schedule and, when finished, it will be a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.      As we speak, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens.  Bad ones are going out as I speak tonight and as I have promised.      To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this question:  what would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income, or a loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders?      Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States.  We are also taking strong measures to protect our Nation from Radical Islamic Terrorism.      According to data provided by the Department of Justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country.  We have seen the attacks at home -– from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and yes, even the World Trade Center.      We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world.      It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur.  Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values.      We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America -- we cannot allow our Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists.      That is why my Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our Nation safe -- and to keep out those who would do us harm.      As promised, I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS -- a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs.  We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet.      I have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, and reaffirmed our unbreakable alliance with the State of Israel.      Finally, I have kept my promise to appoint a Justice to the United States Supreme Court -- from my list of 20 judges -- who will defend our Constitution.  I am honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight.  Her late, great husband, Antonin Scalia, will forever be a symbol of American justice.  To fill his seat, we have chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, a man of incredible skill, and deep devotion to the law.  He was confirmed unanimously to the Court of Appeals, and I am asking the Senate to swiftly approve his nomination.      Tonight, as I outline the next steps we must take as a country, we must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited.      Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labor force.      Over 43 million people are now living in poverty, and over 43 million Americans are on food stamps.      More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working.      We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years.      In the last 8 years, the past Administration has put on more new debt than nearly all other Presidents combined.      We've lost more than one-fourth of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA was approved, and we've lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.      Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year was nearly $800 billion dollars.      And overseas, we have inherited a series of tragic foreign policy disasters.      Solving these, and so many other pressing problems, will require us to work past the differences of party.  It will require us to tap into the American spirit that has overcome every challenge throughout our long and storied history.      But to accomplish our goals at home and abroad, we must restart the engine of the American economy -- making it easier for companies to do business in the United States, and much harder for companies to leave.      Right now, American companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.      My economic team is developing historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone.  At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class.      We must create a level playing field for American companies and workers.      Currently, when we ship products out of America, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes -- but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge them almost nothing.      I just met with officials and workers from a great American company, Harley-Davidson.  In fact, they proudly displayed five of their magnificent motorcycles, made in the USA, on the front lawn of the White House.      At our meeting, I asked them, how are you doing, how is business?  They said that it's good.  I asked them further how they are doing with other countries, mainly international sales.  They told me -- without even complaining because they have been mistreated for so long that they have become used to it -- that it is very hard to do business with other countries because they tax our goods at such a high rate.  They said that in one case another country taxed their motorcycles at 100 percent.      They weren't even asking for change.  But I am.      I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be FAIR TRADE.      The first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, warned that the "abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government [will] produce want and ruin among our people."      Lincoln was right -- and it is time we heeded his words. I am not going to let America and its great companies and workers, be taken advantage of anymore.      I am going to bring back millions of jobs.  Protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration.  The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers, and puts great pressure on taxpayers.      Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others –- have a merit-based immigration system.  It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially.  Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon.  According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America's taxpayers many billions of dollars a year.      Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits:  it will save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, and help struggling families –- including immigrant families –- enter the middle class. I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation’s security, and to restore respect for our laws. If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades.      Another Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, initiated the last truly great national infrastructure program –- the building of the interstate highway system.  The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding.      America has spent approximately six trillion dollars in the Middle East, all this while our infrastructure at home is crumbling.  With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country –- twice.  And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate.      To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States -- financed through both public and private capital –- creating millions of new jobs.      This effort will be guided by two core principles:  Buy American, and Hire American.      Tonight, I am also calling on this Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare with reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs, and at the same time, provide better Healthcare.      Mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America.  The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we will do.      Obamacare premiums nationwide have increased by double and triple digits.  As an example, Arizona went up 116 percent last year alone.  Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky just said Obamacare is failing in his State -- it is unsustainable and collapsing.      One third of counties have only one insurer on the exchanges –- leaving many Americans with no choice at all.      Remember when you were told that you could keep your doctor, and keep your plan?      We now know that all of those promises have been broken.      Obamacare is collapsing –- and we must act decisively to protect all Americans.  Action is not a choice –- it is a necessity.      So I am calling on all Democrats and Republicans in the Congress to work with us to save Americans from this imploding Obamacare disaster.      Here are the principles that should guide the Congress as we move to create a better healthcare system for all Americans:      First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges.      Secondly, we should help Americans purchase their own coverage, through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts –- but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced on them by the Government.      Thirdly, we should give our great State Governors the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out.      Fourthly, we should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance – and work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately.      Finally, the time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across State lines –- creating a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring cost way down and provide far better care.      Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed.  Every problem can be solved.  And every hurting family can find healing, and hope.      Our citizens deserve this, and so much more –- so why not join forces to finally get it done?  On this and so many other things, Democrats and Republicans should get together and unite for the good of our country, and for the good of the American people.      My administration wants to work with members in both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents have paid family leave, to invest in women's health, and to promote clean air and clear water, and to rebuild our military and our infrastructure.      True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a brighter future.      An incredible young woman is with us this evening who should serve as an inspiration to us all.      Today is Rare Disease day, and joining us in the gallery is a Rare Disease Survivor, Megan Crowley.  Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was 15 months old.  She was not expected to live past 5.      On receiving this news, Megan's dad, John, fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child.  He founded a company to look for a cure, and helped develop the drug that saved Megan's life.  Today she is 20 years old -- and a sophomore at Notre Dame.      Megan's story is about the unbounded power of a father's love for a daughter.      But our slow and burdensome approval process at the Food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances, like the one that saved Megan's life, from reaching those in need.      If we slash the restraints, not just at the FDA but across our Government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles like Megan.      In fact, our children will grow up in a Nation of miracles.      But to achieve this future, we must enrich the mind –- and the souls –- of every American child.      Education is the civil rights issue of our time.      I am calling upon Members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children.  These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.      Joining us tonight in the gallery is a remarkable woman, Denisha Merriweather.  As a young girl, Denisha struggled in school and failed third grade twice.  But then she was able to enroll in a private center for learning, with the help of a tax credit scholarship program.  Today, she is the first in her family to graduate, not just from high school, but from college.  Later this year she will get her masters degree in social work.      We want all children to be able to break the cycle of poverty just like Denisha.      But to break the cycle of poverty, we must also break the cycle of violence.      The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century.      In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone –- and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher.      This is not acceptable in our society.      Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to attend a great school, and to have access to a high-paying job.      But to create this future, we must work with –- not against -– the men and women of law enforcement.      We must build bridges of cooperation and trust –- not drive the wedge of disunity and division.      Police and sheriffs are members of our community.  They are friends and neighbors, they are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters – and they leave behind loved ones every day who worry whether or not they'll come home safe and sound.      We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement.      And we must support the victims of crime.      I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims.  The office is called VOICE –- Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement.  We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests.      Joining us in the audience tonight are four very brave Americans whose government failed them.      Their names are Jamiel Shaw, Susan Oliver, Jenna Oliver, and Jessica Davis.      Jamiel's 17-year-old son was viciously murdered by an illegal immigrant gang member, who had just been released from prison.  Jamiel Shaw Jr. was an incredible young man, with unlimited potential who was getting ready to go to college where he would have excelled as a great quarterback.  But he never got the chance.  His father, who is in the audience tonight, has become a good friend of mine.      Also with us are Susan Oliver and Jessica Davis.  Their husbands –- Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver and Detective Michael Davis –- were slain in the line of duty in California.  They were pillars of their community.  These brave men were viciously gunned down by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record and two prior deportations.      Sitting with Susan is her daughter, Jenna.  Jenna:  I want you to know that your father was a hero, and that tonight you have the love of an entire country supporting you and praying for you.      To Jamiel, Jenna, Susan and Jessica:  I want you to know –- we will never stop fighting for justice.  Your loved ones will never be forgotten, we will always honor their memory.      Finally, to keep America Safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and –- if they must –- to fight and to win.      I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history.      My budget will also increase funding for our veterans.      Our veterans have delivered for this Nation –- and now we must deliver for them.      The challenges we face as a Nation are great.  But our people are even greater.      And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform.      We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens.  Ryan died as he lived:  a warrior, and a hero –- battling against terrorism and securing our Nation.      I just spoke to General Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies."  Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity.  For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.  Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom –- we will never forget him.      To those allies who wonder what kind of friend America will be, look no further than the heroes who wear our uniform.      Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world.  It is American leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies across the globe.      We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.      But our partners must meet their financial obligations.      And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.      We expect our partners, whether in NATO, in the Middle East, or the Pacific –- to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost.      We will respect historic institutions, but we will also respect the sovereign rights of nations.      Free nations are the best vehicle for expressing the will of the people –- and America respects the right of all nations to chart their own path.  My job is not to represent the world.  My job is to represent the United States of America. But we know that America is better off, when there is less conflict -- not more.      We must learn from the mistakes of the past –- we have seen the war and destruction that have raged across our world.      The only long-term solution for these humanitarian disasters is to create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long process of rebuilding.      America is willing to find new friends, and to forge new partnerships, where shared interests align.  We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict.      We want peace, wherever peace can be found.  America is friends today with former enemies.  Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these World Wars.  This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world.      Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free.      On our 100th anniversary, in 1876, citizens from across our Nation came to Philadelphia to celebrate America's centennial.  At that celebration, the country's builders and artists and inventors showed off their creations.      Alexander Graham Bell displayed his telephone for the first time.      Remington unveiled the first typewriter.  An early attempt was made at electric light.      Thomas Edison showed an automatic telegraph and an electric pen.      Imagine the wonders our country could know in America's 250th year.      Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people.      Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.      American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.      Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect.      And streets where mothers are safe from fear -- schools where children learn in peace -- and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask.      When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans.      This is our vision. This is our mission.      But we can only get there together.      We are one people, with one destiny.      We all bleed the same blood.      We all salute the same flag.      And we are all made by the same God.      And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American Greatness began.      The time for small thinking is over.  The time for trivial fights is behind us.      We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts.      The bravery to express the hopes that stir our souls.      And the confidence to turn those hopes and dreams to action.      From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears –-      inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past –-      and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts.      I am asking all citizens to embrace this Renewal of the American Spirit.  I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold and daring things for our country.  And I am asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment and --      Believe in yourselves.      Believe in your future.      And believe, once more, in America.      Thank you, God bless you, and God Bless these United States.     THE WHITE HOUSE,     February 28, 2017.

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February 28, 2017

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East Asia Again Leads PISA Survey

From VOA Learning English, this is the Education Report. East Asian countries again lead all others in the latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) education survey. Singapore placed number one overall, according to the most recent results from 2015. The other top ten countries and territories included: Japan, Estonia, Taipei, Finland, Macao, Canada, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Beijing-Shanghai-Jiangsu-Guangdong China, or B-S-J-G China. The PISA is run by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED), based in Paris, France.  Every three years, it measures science, math, reading, and collaboration problem-solving among students. Around 540,000 15-year-old students from 72 countries and regions took the test. Western countries performed much weaker on average. The United States, in particular, placed only 38th overall. It was 30th in math and 19th in science.  Singapore leads in Science Singapore outperformed all other participating countries in science. Japan, Estonia, Finland and Canada were the next four highest-performing countries. According to the data, 1 in 4 students in Singapore perform at the highest level in science. At this level, the students have the skills and knowledge about science to creatively apply them to a wide variety of situations, including unfamiliar ones. The study said the majority of countries scores in science changed very little since 2006. However, in some countries, including Portugal, and Qatar, not only did their percentage of top-performing students increase, their share of low-performing students also decreased. Mathematics and reading More than 1 in 4 students from B-S-J-G China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, and Singapore were top performers in mathematics. In reading performance, the difference between male and female student’s performance decreased. However, the study found that while the scores of higher-achieving males were improving, those of lower-achieving female students were not. The study did find that about 20% of students surveyed did not attain the baseline level of proficiency in reading. This percentage has remained the same since the 2009 survey.  Education culture The strong showing by East Asian countries reflects the overall culture surrounding education in the region. Minh Tran is Senior Director of Research for the education training organization Education First. He said that countries like Singapore and Hong Kong succeed due to the standards and effort placed on students and teachers. “…They want their students to be very competitive in the region and in the world.  So they do invest in education quite a bit… But I think another really important factor is how hard the students are working every single day, and how much they understand the value of that hard work, because students are told by their parents and teachers day in and day out how important it is that they do well.  And they are trained to take exams.”  Europe leading in equity The PISA also assessed countries by how equal the education opportunities were for students. This was one category where Western countries scored higher. Canada, Denmark, and Estonia scored highest in this category. Hong Kong and Macao were also in the top 5. The study found that students living in poverty are more likely to not reach a baseline level of proficiency in science. However, some students living in poverty still performed at high levels. The study found the most disadvantaged students from Macao and Vietnam still outperform the advantaged students in about 20 of the countries in the survey. Tran said this is the trend in some Asian countries. In places like China, he said the best students often come from rural areas because they have to fight that much harder to get into good schools. This reflects, Tran said, the overall culture of grit with Asian students, meaning their desire and perseverance to work hard through difficult situations. Educational equity was one area where the U.S. did show improvement since the last study. Some question PISA results Not everyone agrees with the PISA results. Some have criticized the PISA assessment for how it selects its population sample from each country.  Each country or education system is responsible for recruiting the schools. In some countries, including China, only the best schools and students were chosen to participate in the study. This potentially does not reflect the true level of education across the country. I’m Phil Dierking And I'm Lucija Millonig   This story was written by Phil Dierking for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. How did your country perform on the PISA?  Do you think the results are accurate of your country’s education system? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   collaboration – n. to work with another person or group in order to achieve or do something grit – n. mental toughness and courage perseverance – n. the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult sample – n. a small amount of something that gives you information about the thing it was taken from

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These Paper Drones Can Make Deliveries, then Disappear

An American company has built a new drone that could improve the efficiency of deliveries. The drone is very different from other unmanned aircraft. It is made almost completely out of cardboard and has no motor. It can be packed with materials and sealed up with tape. Because the drones do not have a motor, they are designed to be dropped from airplanes. Hundreds of drones could be launched at once. Then they could be automatically guided to where they are supposed to go. The company says these drones could then complete deliveries to different places over an area covering hundreds of kilometers.  The drones look like bigger versions of the paper airplanes we used to make as kids. But this light flyer is not a toy. It is aerodynamically designed and equipped with a small computer, a battery and sensors to guide it to the ground. The drones are being developed by Otherlab – a technology research company in San Francisco, California. It calls the drone a “Sky Machine.” The company says it can travel about 150 kilometers at speeds up to 88 kilometers an hour. Currently, it can carry materials weighing up to one kilogram, but future models are expected to carry larger loads. One of the drone’s main advantages is that it does not have a heavy motor or large battery. This allows more room for materials and makes the drone cost less to build and operate. The Otherlab development team has called its invention the “Ikea of drones.” This is because it is packaged similarly to products from the Swedish furniture maker Ikea. The drone arrives as flat pieces of pre-cut cardboard that can be quickly and easily put together. The technology that guides the drone can make it land within 10 meters of its target, according to Otherlab. Unlike other drones, even a crash landing is acceptable since the aircraft is disposable. The company says the drones can also be reused. Once the drone completes its delivery, it can be thrown away and the cardboard material will likely decompose within a few months. The company has received money from the U.S. Department of Defense to carry out research on the drones. The money came from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The agency is attempting to find the best delivery vehicles that can disappear after their missions are complete. The U.S. military has a need for delivery drones. But it wants to simplify and lower the cost of using them. Otherlab’s Sky Machines are an attempt to fill that need. Military drones can also be stolen and studied by others if found after use. Before they can truly vanish, the electronic materials inside must also somehow disappear. Researchers are still working on ways to get the technology itself to self-destruct. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. What do you think about these paper drones? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   drone – n. a small flying machine flown remotely by a pilot delivery – n. act of taking something from one place to another tape – n. material that is sticky on one side to hold things together battery – n. a device that chemically stores electricity aerodynamically – adv. relating to the study of how objects move through the air disposable – adj. intended to be used once, then thrown away decompose – v. cause something to be slowly broken down by natural processes vanish – v. suddenly disappear completely self-destruct – v. destroy itself  

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Indian Students Reconsider Plans for US Education

  Rahul Kolli was happy when he gained admission to Michigan Technological University in the United States. Kolli, a 23-year-old from southern India, studied engineering before graduating from college. He wanted to continue his education by studying data analytics at Michigan Tech. He had the same goal as tens of thousands of Indian students: study in an American university, work in the United States for a few years and perhaps stay there. But in November, Kolli decided not to go to the U.S. school. He chose instead to study at a university in Ireland. His main concern was U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise to protect jobs for Americans. Kolli thought that after spending a huge amount in the United States, he might have difficulty finding a job here. Kolli says many of his Indian friends at American universities urged him not to come to the U.S. They said some companies had told them U.S. citizens would be preferred for new jobs. “Before Trump, yes -- they were asking me to come,” he said. “But after Trump (was) elected, they were like: ‘Think over your decision. I don’t suggest you come to the U.S. Why don’t you try some other country?’” The number of Indians studying in the United States has grown in recent years. More than 200,000 Indians attended an American college or university last year. That is the second-highest number of foreign students from one country. The lack of high-quality universities in India forces many students to consider foreign countries for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. For many years, the Preston Education Consultancy in Chennai sent almost all students who used its services to the United States. Ilaya Bharathi heads the company. He says about 40 percent of students it works with chose such countries as Ireland, Canada, Germany and Australia even after gaining admission to an American university. “It’s basically what is called in the market the ‘Trump effect.’ They are reluctant to take the U.S. as an option now,” says Bharathi. He notes growing nervousness among both Indian students and their parents. They are worried about a possible change in American immigration policy. They fear such a change could make it difficult for foreign students to stay and work in the United States. Bharathi says most Indians studying in other countries are computer software engineers. He says many have decided to study in Ireland, which is a growing information technology center in Europe. Ireland now permits students to work for two years after they have completed their education, instead of one. In addition to worries about jobs, some Indians wonder whether the United States will continue to be a safe and welcoming place for foreign students and workers. Many of them have heard anti-immigrant statements from President Trump and his supporters. Such worries have grown after two Indian engineers were shot last month in the state of Kansas. The death of one of the two was reported throughout India. The suspected gunman is a U.S. Navy veteran who shouted “get out of my country” at the men. Police are investigating the shooting as a possible hate crime. Kavita Singh operates FutureWorks Consulting in New Delhi. The company helps Indian students gain admission to colleges. She says she is hearing questions about the United States that she has not heard before. The questions have included, “What is the environment going to be like on campus?” and “Is it going to change and is it going to be different?” Singh says this concern is greater among those students hoping to receive an undergraduate education in the U.S. Students from richer families often do not want to work and live in the U.S. And they fear the environment may turn more hostile. “Some even say we only want to look maybe now at colleges on the East and West Coast which voted blue (Democrat) and we are not really sure we want to look at the middle of the country,” said Singh. She earned a Masters of Business Administration degree in the United States.   Education experts say many postgraduate students are watching how policies on students staying to work in the country develop under the Trump administration. But not everyone is disheartened. Shraddha Gulati, a student in a Delhi University college, says she wants to study in the United States.    “There are so many good colleges there -- the top 50 and 100 -- and not in India,” she said. I’m Alice Bryant.   Anjana Pasricha reported this story from New Delhi. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   graduate - v. to earn a degree or diploma from a school, college or university prefer - v. to like someone or something better than someone or something else undergraduate - adj. relating the first years of study at a college or university - usually in reference to a bachelor's education  postgraduate - adj. relating to the years following a bachelor's degree option - n. the opportunity or ability to choose something or to choose between two or more things campus - n. the area and buildings around a university, college, or school  degree - n. an official document and title that is given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university

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Paczki, Sweet Treats for Fat Tuesday

This is What’s Trending Today. For Christians around the world, Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. It is the first day of a six-week religious observance before the Easter holiday. Lent is a time of sacrifice. Many Christians stop eating meat and give up sugar and alcoholic drinks. But before Lent begins, people get one last chance to enjoy themselves. Some attend celebrations on the Tuesday before Lent, also known as Fat Tuesday. In some cultures, people celebrate Fat Tuesday by eating a sweet bread treat called paczki. Paczki are from Poland and similar to doughnuts. In parts of the United States with large Polish communities, Fat Tuesday is also known as Paczki Day. On Tuesday, the hashtag #PaczkiDay was trending on social media. Many people shared photographs of the sugary, round treats. Paczki are popular in northern U.S. cities like Detroit and Chicago, where many people have Polish roots. Traditionally, paczki are filled with sweet fruity jams made from plums and the fruits of the rose plant. But these days, people will put just about anything inside paczki. One Detroit newspaper reported that a hot dog stand will serve a “Coney Paczki.” That is a piece of meat inside of sweet paczki instead of a traditional bun. One can add mustard, chili and even onions. One Twitter user wrote: “Those look yummy.” But another more traditional Twitter user thought it was just not the right way to celebrate Fat Tuesday. He wrote: “An actual Cajun would never eat this.”  Many people with Cajun roots celebrate Fat Tuesday in Louisiana. Other people celebrated Paczki Day by bringing large boxes of the treats to their office. A Twitter user named Rebecca posted a photo of at least 20 paczki and asked “is there such a thing as too many #paczki?”  Abdul El-Sayed was born in Michigan. But his family is from Egypt. He works as a doctor and politician in the Detroit area. He and his wife Sarah went looking for halal paczki. They found them at a food stand in one Detroit neighborhood. They made a video showing their paczki-eating experience. Others made videos showing how to make paczki and how to say their name correctly, too.     And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Have you ever eaten paczki? How did they taste? Let us know in the comments section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   doughnut – n. a piece of sweet fried dough that is often shaped like a ring jam – n. a sweet food made of fruit and sugar thickened by boiling bun – n. a small, round or long bread for one person to eat yummy – adj. very pleasing to the taste halal – adj. accepted by Muslim law as fit for eating

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Cambodian Leader Praises Trump, Criticizes ‘Anarchy’ Media

  Cambodian officials have praised President Donald Trump’s criticism of American media and used this as an example of how they can also deal with local reporters. During an event in the capital Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Sen warned reporters not to do stories that could pose a threat to “peace and stability.” “Donald Trump understands that they are an anarchic group,” said Hun Sen, referring to journalists, according to Reuters news agency. Reuters said the comments also appeared on Hun Sen’s official Facebook page. According to Cambodian independent newspaper Phnom Penh Post, Hun Sen’s comments came during a speech to celebrate the country’s National Clean City Day. “We respect rights, not the rights of anarchy, [but rather] the rights of the rule of law,” the Cambodian leader was quoted as saying. “Now, in the United Sates itself, CNN and some others could not get into the White House because Donald Trump sees them as causing anarchy,” he added. Last week, White House officials barred some news organizations from attending an informal press gathering with Trump’s press secretary, Sean Spicer. Among those not allowed in were the New York Times and CNN – both frequent targets of Trump’s criticism. Trump has repeatedly called press coverage he does not agree with "fake news." He has also described journalists as "the enemy of the people." White House officials argued they were not trying to shut out certain media from the gathering, but were just trying to include more reporters. However, the action was condemned by many media outlets, which called it an insult to democratic ideals. Hun Sen’s statements followed strong criticism of the media last weekend by Cambodian government cabinet spokesman Phay Siphan. In a Facebook post Saturday, he also referred to the White House decision to exclude some media. He said it sent a "clear message" that some reporting "does not reflect reality." “President Donald Trump thinks that the news reported by these organizations did not reflect the truth, which is the responsibility of the professional reporters," the spokesman said. “This means that freedom of expression must respect the law and the authority of the state.” Phay Siphan said the government may decide to "take action" against some media outlets if they are found to be threats to the country's peace and stability. While Cambodia's constitution provides for a free press, most media are indirectly controlled by the state and closely monitored. In his Facebook post, Phay Siphan specifically took aim at Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA), as well as the local Voice of Democracy, an independent, not-for-profit radio station. He accused the broadcasters of being "foreign agents." He said they must "reconsider" their use of airtime before the government takes unspecified actions. In a statement, Jing Zhang, the acting director of VOA's East Asia Pacific division, rejected those descriptions. “VOA is a media organization that reports news in an objective, fair and balanced manner," he said. "Millions of VOA listeners and Facebook fans in Cambodia can attest to our journalistic integrity." The Phnom Penh Post contacted Phay Siphan to get clarification of his comments. He responded by saying that any media outlet that doesn't follow the government's orders would be expelled. "Shut it down. Very simple. Expel them," he said. I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.   Mony Say, Narin Sun and William Gallo reported this story for VOA. Bryan Lynn adapted it for VOA Learning English, with additional information coming from Reuters and other sources. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fake – adj. not true or real exclude – v. keep something or someone out objective – adj. based on facts rather than feelings or opinions integrity – n. honesty, knowing what is morally right or wrong expel – v. officially force something or someone to leave a place or organization  

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American Mining Company Suspends Work in Dispute with Indonesia

  An American mining company has suspended work at the world’s largest gold mine in West Papua, New Guinea in a dispute with the Indonesian government. Indonesia wants changes to the mining company Freeport-McMoRan’s business. It also wants a majority ownership share to go to Indonesians. The company chief says Indonesia is breaking its contract in seeking the changes. And the company may seek arbitration in the case and bring a legal case against the government. Freeport-MacMoRan is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Besides operating the world’s largest gold mine, it also mines copper and other minerals in the Indonesian territory. The company employs about 32,000 people in Indonesia. It has laid off 10 percent of its foreign workforce. Observers in Indonesia are concerned that the dispute will severely harm the local economy, which is dependent on mining. Concerns about the local situation are rising West Papua has long been a troubled territory in Indonesia. It has an independence movement that has been forcibly suppressed by military action. Mining is the main economic activity of the area. One local newspaper editor notes that Freeport-McMoRan also provides social services to the area. Octovianus Danunan of the Radar Timika says, “Freeport runs two hospitals here, gives hundreds of scholarships to local students, and of course, provides jobs to thousands of Papuans.” John Gobai is a member of the Papua parliament. He said, “These layoffs have eliminated the livelihoods of a lot of people.” He says people native to the area are suffering. Reports from the company say 36 percent of the full-time employees in the area are native Papuans. Andreas Harsono is a researcher with the activist group Human Rights Watch. He says Timika, where the mining facility is, is a wild area. He says violence is a possibility. Contract of work disputed The Indonesian government wants changes to a 30-year contract signed in 1991. The contract was signed when Suharto, a military ruler, was the president. However, relations between the government and Freeport-McMoRan have cooled under democratically elected presidents. In 2009, the government passed a mining law requiring the company to build a $2.9 billion smelter. The facility would melt down metal ore to increase the value of exported materials. The country also wants a majority of the shares in the company to go to Indonesian ownership within 10 years. Indonesian officials have increased pressure on the company to change its contract to a “Special Business License” under the 2009 law. Mines and Energy Minister Ignasius Jonan has led the effort. The contract is set to end in 2021. However, the government has passed rules in January and February increasing pressure on the company, according to a company press release. The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources could not be reached for comment on the issue. The chief executive officer of the company, Richard Adkerson, has told Reuters news service that Freeport-McMoRan is committed to remaining in Indonesia. He notes that one third of West Papua’s economy comes from the Grasberg mine. Both sides face large financial losses because of the dispute. Indonesia appears committed to the changes it is seeking. During the dispute, Papua parliament member John Gobai says the government must do something for the local people. “What the government really needs to think about is what compensation they can give the layoff victims in the present. These people are employees, but they are also citizens,” Gobai said. I’m Mario Ritter.   Krithika Varagur reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   arbitration –n. the process of seeking judgement from a third party in a dispute between two sides smelter –n. a facility used to melt down and remove impurities from metal ores ore –n. rock that contains high concentrations of metal license –n. a document that gives official permission to do some activity compensation –n. something provided to make up for damage or trouble We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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A Brief History of Presidential Addresses to Congress

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Will Eating Less Help You Live Longer?

From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. If you want to slow aging, you want might to eat less. Researchers in the United States say eating less can slow the aging process of cells in the body. This finding is good news – if you are a mouse. The researchers studied mice, not people. John Price is a biochemistry professor at Brigham Young University in the U.S. state of Utah. He and other researchers studied two groups of mice. One group was able to eat as much as it wanted. The researchers restricted what the other animals in the other group ate. Their diet had 35 percent fewer calories than the first group of mice. Price says the mice with the diet restrictions were “more energetic and suffered fewer diseases.” They were not just living longer, they seemed to stay younger for a longer period of time. Price says that when you restrict calories (in mice), there is a direct increase in lifespan – the average age of the animal. He and his team found that calorie “restriction caused real biochemical changes that slowed down the rate of aging." But how? The researchers found that fewer calories slow down a natural mechanism in cells called ribosomes. Price explains that ribosomes are responsible for making important proteins in the cells. But with fewer calories, they slow down. This gives the cells more time to repair themselves. The University of Utah researchers say ribosomes use from 10 to 20 percent of the cell's energy to make those proteins. In a press release on the study, Price wrote that "because of this, it is impractical to destroy an entire ribosome” when it starts to break down. However, “repairing individual parts of the ribosome on a regular basis enables ribosomes to continue producing high quality proteins for longer than they would otherwise. This top quality production, in turn, keeps cells and the entire body functioning well." Price used automobiles to explain how ribosomes repair themselves. He said that a “ribosome is a very complex machine,” like a car. Ribosomes, likes cars, need “maintenance to replace the parts that wear out the fastest. When tires wear out,” he explained, “you don't throw the whole car away and buy” a new one. It costs less to replace the old tires. Earlier studies have suggested a link between calorie restrictions and slowed aging. However, this is first to show how the ribosomes can influence aging. Price noted calorie restriction as a way to slow aging has not been tested in humans. But he adds that the main finding for people is the "the importance of taking care of our bodies." "Food,” he said, “isn't just material to be burned -- it's a signal that tells our body and cells how to respond.” Price said the findings help to explain how exactly our bodies age. And this may “help us make more educated decisions about what we eat." I’m Anna Matteo.   This story first appeared on VOANews.com. Anna Matteo adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.   See how well you understand the story by taking this reading quiz.  __________________________________________________________ Words in This Story calorie – n. an amount of food having an energy-producing value of one large calorie biochemical – adj. represented by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms mechanism – n. a process or system that is used to produce a result impractical – adj. not easy to do or use regular – adj. happening or done very often basis – n. a fixed method or system for doing something functioning – v. to work or operate maintenance – n. the act of keeping property or equipment in good condition by making repairs or correcting problems

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Trump Continues Tradition with Speech to Congress

President Donald Trump will give his first speech to the U.S. Congress on Tuesday. He is expected to discuss his plan to increase military spending by nearly 10 percent, or $54 billion, offset by equal cuts in non-defense spending. The cuts will likely include large reductions in foreign aid. He told governors on Monday that he would also propose more spending on public safety, including more efforts to stop illegal immigration. And he would call for more spending to rebuild old roadways and airports and reduce taxes. Trump is likely to repeat some of the comments he made last week in a speech before conservatives. He said at the Conservative Political Action Conference, “We will reduce taxes.  We will cut your regulations.  We will support our police.  We will defend our flag.  We will rebuild our military.  We will take care of our great, great veterans.” Some will watch what tone Trump uses in his speech. Will he reach out to Democrats and others who oppose his policies? Richard Vatz and Gerald Shuster are experts on presidential communication. Neither expects Trump to tone back the strong comments that have marked both his campaign for president and his first 40 days as president. “People have been predicting for a long time that he will change his tone, but it hasn’t happened and I see no reason to think it will now,” Vatz said. Vatz is a professor at Towson University in Maryland. He said the reason Trump is not likely to change is because his supporters like his strong criticism of the news media and Democrats. The downside, Vatz said, is that Trump faces the strongest opposition of any U.S. president since the 1960s. Shuster teaches at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. Shuster does not expect Trump to moderate his language unless he faces a major setback -- such as a failure to carry out his promise to repeal and replace the health plan known as Obamacare. Presidential speeches go back to George Washington Presidents have been giving speeches to Congress since the beginning of the Republic. George Washington, the first president, was also the first president to give a speech to Congress. The U.S. constitution says presidents “shall from time to time give to Congress information of the state of the Union.” But no president since John Kennedy in 1961 has given a State of the Union address during their first year in office. Recent presidents have instead given what is called a speech to a Joint Session of Congress. In his first speech to Congress in 2009, President Barack Obama said he was sure America would overcome its worst recession in over 70 years. “We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before,” Obama said. In 2001, President George W. Bush, a Republican, said America needed to be ready for the unexpected. A little over six months later, America faced its worst terrorist attack ever, killing 3,000 people on September 11, 2001. In 1981, new President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, discussed concerns his policies would hurt low-income Americans. He said, “All those with true need can rest assured that the social safety net of programs they depend on are exempt from any cuts."   Five days after the killing of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, President Lyndon Johnson made his first speech to a joint session of Congress. He said, "All I have I would have given gladly not to be standing here today. The greatest leader of our time has been struck down by the foulest deed of our time."   Who will watch Trump’s speech? Trump’s speech will be televised live across the United States and in some other nations. The audience watching in the U.S. Capitol will include more than just members of the Senate and House of Representatives. There will be members of his cabinet, Supreme Court justices and news reporters whom Trump calls the “enemy of the people” for stories critical of his administration. Members of Congress also invite “special guests” to watch the speech. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi plans to invite a young immigrant who could be hurt by Trump’s plans to take on illegal immigration. Pelosi also plans to bring a person she says has spoken out about the importance of a free press. Pelosi said Trump has failed to carry out his most important campaign promise. “Five weeks into his administration, President Trump has not introduced a single jobs bill,” she said. But Trump said he is speaking for Americans who have not been treated fairly. “The forgotten men and women of America will be forgotten no longer.”    Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   regulation - n. an official rule or law that says how something should be done tone - n. a quality, feeling, or attitude expressed by the words that someone uses in speaking state - n. the current condition emerge - v. used to indicate the usually good state or condition of someone or something at the end of an event, process assured - v. be sure something will happen or not happen exempt - n. not affected by some decision, rule or proposal.

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College Board Plans to Increase Security on Admission Test

The group responsible for a widely used college admissions test cancelled scores for a number of students who took the test in January. Those students took the international SAT, formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The College announced it is studying the scores of other students who took the January test. The non-profit College Board, which develops the SAT, said on Wednesday it is taking steps to try to reduce cheating on the admissions test. Results from the SAT and Advanced Placement, or AP, exams can help or hurt students interested in attending an American college or university. Reducing test dates to prevent cheating The College Board said there will only be four dates on which students can take the SAT during the 2017-2018 school year and the following school year. There are usually six test dates each year. The international SAT test date in June 2017 has been canceled. The coming year's test dates will be in October and December 2017, and in March and May of 2018. Fewer test dates mean SAT questions are less likely to be stolen. That is because the College Board often re-used questions from one test to another in the past.   Re-Using SAT questions increases cheating SAT exams with new questions are first given in the United States. After that, the exams are sent to test centers in other countries. Students in some areas can buy the questions from test-preparation companies before they take the test. It takes a long time for the College Board’s members to write and agree on questions for the test. So, it is not surprising that an SAT exam would include some questions from earlier exams. The College Board announced steps to prevent people who have cheated in the past from taking the test again. The group is also informing law enforcement about the groups and individuals it thinks are taking the test’s content illegally. It is asking test center administrators and test-takers themselves to report cases of cheating anonymously. Peter Schwartz is the College Board's chief administrative officer and general counsel. He said in a written statement that his organization is doing all it can to protect the exam questions. "We are unwavering in our commitment to SAT test security and we will continue to confront any efforts to undermine it." However, critics say the custom of repeating questions from one test to another makes it possible for students to share information after they take the test. Bob Schaeffer is the public education director for FairTest: National Center for Fair & Open Testing. He says the College Board did not promise to stop re-using test questions. "The most important thing is what they did not say. They did not say they're going to stop recycling tests, which is the primary tool used in all these international cheating scandals." Schaeffer went on to say that communication through social media makes it impossible to stop people from sharing the test questions after they have taken a test. "The only way to stop unethical test-prep companies and individuals from gaining advance knowledge of upcoming test items is to stop reusing test questions." Zachary Goldberg works for the College Board. He noted, "We are reducing re-use, it's in the announcement. We recognize that's an issue." The announcement said that "the College Board has increased test form development to reduce reuse." Test writers working at the Educational Testing Service are responsible for the SAT, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, and the Graduate Record Exam, or GRE. These tests have all been involved in cases of cheating that were reported in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Criminal cases of test cheating In January 2016, the College Board cancelled test dates at 45 test centers in China and Macau. The cancellation came after the College Board found that students may have received copies of the tests in advance. A group of 15 Chinese faced federal charges in 2015. Those charges were related to sending fake passports for people to take the SAT and other college entrance exams in Pennsylvania. They had been cheating since 2011. Chinese students had paid up to $6,000 to have someone else take college admission tests for them. Most of the 13 people who were found guilty of the cheating have been returned to China. Restoring trust in the tests The Reuters news service reported that the College Board knew that some parts of the tests they gave overseas last year were not secure. Steve Syverson is an administrator at the University of Washington, Bothell. He formerly served on the National Association for College Admission Counseling. He told Reuters that the College Board will need to find a way to return to the time when test scores could be trusted. “The College Board does a lot of good things, but it will clearly be a major challenge for them to restore trust in the integrity of the test.” I’m Jill Robbins.   Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English based on reports from the Associated Press and Reuters. George Grow was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   recycle - v. to use (something) again challenge - n. a difficult task or problem content – n. something contained; the issues treated in a written work anonymously – adj. of or related to an unnamed individual score – n. result; the number of points that someone gets for correct answers unwavering – adj. continuing in a strong way commitment – n. an agreement or promise to do something confront – v. to face something difficult fake – adj. a worthless copy of something scandal – n. damage to image; an apparent moral or ethical violation   Now it’s your turn. Do students in your country take high-stakes tests like the SAT? What do you think of the charges that many students cheat on SAT tests? Free practice materials for the SAT test are now available on the Khan Academy website

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Snapchat Prepares $20 Billion IPO, Launches Video Glasses

  The owner of messaging service Snapchat is preparing for the technology industry’s biggest initial public offering, or IPO, since 2014. Snap Inc. recently filed for the IPO, which will allow the company to offer stock shares to the public on the New York Stock Exchange. According to multiple media reports, the IPO will happen in early March. Based on its targeted share price, the IPO would put the Los Angeles-based company’s value at more than $20 billion. That predicted valuation is based on the stock being offered at $14-$16 per share.   Snap Inc. would be the biggest IPO in the technology industry since China’s Alibaba Group went public in 2014. The company’s 26-year-old Chief Executive Officer, Evan Spiegel, is currently meeting with investors in the U.S. and abroad to seek support for the IPO. Snap Inc. began as Snapchat in 2011. It became a popular messaging app for sharing photos. The app was unusual because it automatically deleted photos after they were sent. Messages became known as “Snaps.” Over the years, the company developed additional products related to photo and video messaging. For example, users can add entertaining features like text and animation to photos and videos. The company also added a “Discover” section containing short news videos. Another feature called “Stories” lets people create collections of messages, videos and photos from the past 24 hours. Some of Snap Inc.’s competitors – like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp – have copied some of these features as a way to win new users.  Snapchap says it had 158 million active daily users at the end of 2016, with an average of 2.5 billion Snaps created every day. Most users of the service are between 18-34 years old. Those under 25 are most active and spend more than 30 minutes a day on the app, according to Snap. Snap Inc. has said its goal is to “reinvent the camera” to “improve the way people live and communicate.” It has signaled a desire to produce hardware to improve the Snapchat service. One of the new products is a pair of sunglasses that can record short video clips. The company just started selling the glasses online for just under $130 in the United States. Until now, the new glasses - called Spectacles – were only sold at limited places in the U.S. and sold out very quickly. Spectacles look a lot like many other regular sunglasses. But they have a built-in camera in front that can record up to 10 seconds of video. They come in bright colors and were designed to appeal to people seeking a new, fun experience on Snapchat. Spectacles connect to Snapchat through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing users to immediately send the clips to others. Snap Inc. is also reportedly developing products for future release related to virtual reality, augmented reality and facial recognition.   I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from the Associated Press and other sources. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story initial – adj. occurring at the beginning of something app – n. a computer program that performs a special function animation – n. a drawing, pictures, etc., shown quickly one after another  hardware – n. machines or equipment used inside computers or together with electronic devices augmented reality – n. a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world.  

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Hollywood Recognizes Iranian Film Director

Political statements are not new to the Academy Awards ceremony. A number of award-winning actors and movie directors have made such comments over the years. On Sunday, America’s movie industry recognized an Iranian film, “The Salesman,” as the best foreign language film of 2016. The film’s director, Asghar Farhadi, was not in Hollywood to get the award, called an Oscar. Farhadi said earlier he would not come to California as a protest of President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration. The order barred refugees and others from Iran and six other Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. This month, a federal court ruling has blocked enforcement of the measure. Trump has said his administration is preparing a new order to help protect the United States against a possible terrorist attack. At the awards ceremony, Anousheh Ansari, an Iranian-American astronaut, accepted the Oscar for Farhadi. She read a statement written by the director. “I'm sorry I'm not with you tonight," Ansari read. "My absence is out of respect for the people of my country and those of other six nations who have been disrespected by the inhumane law that bans entry of immigrants to the U.S." Firouz Naderi stood by Ansari as she read the statement. Naderi once worked for NASA, America’s space agency, and like Ansari, is an Iranian-American. "Dividing the world into 'us' and 'enemies' categories creates fear," Ansari said, continuing Farhadi's statement. “Filmmakers can turn their cameras to capture shared human qualities and break sterotypes of various nationalities and religions.” The statement noted that filmmakers can create empathy – the ability to share feelings – between us and others … “An empathy that we need today more than ever.” Speaking later, Naderi said that Farhadi could have chosen from many important Iranians to speak for him at the Oscars. But, Naderi said, he chose two scientists who specialize in space because, "if you go away from the Earth and look back at the Earth you don't see the borders and the lines." This was the second Oscar win for Farhadi. In 2012, he won best foreign film for “A Separation.” His film “The Salesman” is the story about two people performing the American writer Arthur Miller’s famous play “Death of a Salesman.” Some people said the film produced support for immigrant rights after Trump’s executive order was announced. The directors of the six films nominated in the foreign language category put out a statement before the Oscars. They criticized what they called the climate of “fanaticism” in the United States. They said the award is meant for “unity and understanding,” no matter who won. In Iran, the Associated Press reported that many people seemed energized by the win. Vice President Ishaq Jahangiri praised Farhadi both for the award and for not going to the ceremony. He called it a “priceless action.” Relations between the two countries have been tested since Trump became president last month. His administration put Iran “on notice” after it test-fired a ballistic missile. In Britain, “The Salesman” movie was shown in London’s Trafalgar Square on Sunday. Sadiq Khan, the first Muslim mayor of London, England, posted a video statement by Asghar Farhadi on Facebook. Speaking from Tehran, Farhadi said in English that he is “extremely happy” about reactions against the U.S. order by “people and art communities around the world.” He said the reactions show the opposition to the travel ban “has developed into a powerful and unified movement.” I’m Anne Ball. And I'm Kevin Turner.   Anne Ball wrote this story for Learning English with material from Reuters and the Associated Press. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   executive - adj. dealing with the President stereotype – n. an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic category - n.  a type or kind fanaticism - n. being very enthusiastic about something

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'Moonlight' Wins Best Picture at Mixed-Up Oscars Ceremony

This is What’s Trending Today. “There’s a mistake. ‘Moonlight,’ you guys won best picture.” And with those words, producer Jordan Horowitz of “La La Land,” told the cast and crew of a competing film that it had won the Oscars’ biggest award. Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were given the wrong category’s envelope before they went on stage. They may have been given the back-up envelope for the “best actress” award, which earlier was given to Emma Stone of “La La Land.” Beatty was clearly confused about what he saw when he opened the envelope, but Dunaway read the name of the film listed below Stone’s name. The actors and producers from “La La Land” left their seats and filled the stage to accept their Oscar statues. They gave many speeches before Horowitz interrupted. “This is not a joke. Moonlight has won best picture,” he said. He took the card from Beatty and held it up for the cameras. “Moonlight. Best Picture,” he said as the camera moved closer. The show’s host, comedian and late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel, made the best of the situation. He went up to Beatty, and exclaimed “Warren. What did you do?” Kimmel also said, “personally, I blame Steve Harvey.” That was in reference to the mistake Harvey made in 2015 at the Miss Universe pageant. He announced the wrong winner, first saying it was the contestant from Colombia, and then realizing the correct winner was actually from the Philippines.  Once order had been restored, Beatty tried to explain what happened, saying he had been given the wrong envelope. Barry Jenkins is the writer and director of “Moonlight.” Once he reached the stage, he said “even in my dreams, this cannot be true.” Stone, happy to have won the best actress award, later said “is that the craziest Oscar moment of all time? Cool!” Many people are wondering how the mistake was made. The accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has been handling Oscar votes for over 80 years without any problems. The firm apologized to all of the people who were made uncomfortable by the mistake. It promised to investigate what caused the error. Horowitz is being credited for staying calm and stopping the show to correct the error. People are calling him “gracious,” “a great producer,” and “classy.” Even Jenkins said “much respect to that dude.”  A story from USA Today detailed the backstage moments of the show. The newspaper said people could be heard shouting “Best show ever!” at the end of the night.  The other major award winners will always remember their victorious night because of the best picture mix-up. They included: Viola Davis and Mahershala Ali for their supporting roles in “Fences” and “Moonlight;” “Manchester by the Sea,” for best original screenplay and “Moonlight” for best adapted screenplay; Casey Affleck for best actor and Damien Chazelle for best director. “The Salesman,” a film from Iran, won the award for best foreign film. Director Asghar Farhadi did not attend the ceremony. He wrote a letter that said he chose not to attend in protest of President Donald Trump’s attempts to ban immigrants to the United States from a number of majority Muslim countries, including Iran. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English based on reporting by the Associated Press. Hai Do was the editor. What did you think of the Oscars? Let us know in the comments section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   back-up – n. a person or thing that can be used to replace or support another person or thing confused – adj. a person or thing that can be used to replace or support another person or thing pageant – n. a beauty contest, in which people judge a group of women or girls and decide which one is the most beautiful restore – v. to give back or return something cool – adj. often used to show approval in a general way firm – n. a business organization gracious – adj. very polite in a way that shows respect classy – adj. showing impressive character : very good, kind, etc. dude – n. a man — used especially by young people adapt – v. to change (a movie, book, play, etc.) so that it can be presented in another form

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February 27, 2017

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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In Photos: 2017 Academy Awards Winners

Here are the winners of some of the major categories for the 2017 Academy Awards

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Oscars Red Carpet

Hollywood honors its best Sunday February 26 when Oscar statuettes are distributed for excellence in film.  One of the most watched moments of the evening is the red carpet arrivals. Here is a sample of what some of the top stars wore.

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Hollywood's Biggest Night - The 89th Annual Academy Awards

Each year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California. The awards are called Oscars. They are the top honors in the American film industry.  Tonight we are live blogging about the event! This year, the movie "La La Land" has received fourteen Oscar nominations. This matches the record of 1951's "All About Eve" and 1998's "Titanic." "Titanic" ended up winning 11 Oscars. Will "La La Land" be so lucky? Stay tuned. The ceremony is just a half-hour away...

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John Adams: He's Number Two

VOA Learning English presents America's Presidents. Today we are talking about John Adams. In 1796, he was elected as the country’s second president. Being second can be difficult. And being the second president of a new country, following a popular first president such as George Washington, turned out to be extremely difficult. For one thing, Adams did not always get along with other people. He was known to get angry easily, and often. Adams also was leader of a divided administration. His own vice president often disagreed with him – passionately. The situation was the result of a rule in the Constitution at the time. It said the person who received the majority of votes became president. The person with the second largest number of votes became vice president. The rule worked fine for the first two elections. Washington had won the presidency, and Adams won the vice presidency. The two men belonged to the same political party and shared many points of view.  But in 1796, Adams’ opponent in the election, Thomas Jefferson, became the vice president. The two men were personal friends, but political enemies. President Adams supported a strong federal government that protected the interests of business and the wealthy. Vice President Jefferson, on the other hand, wanted to limit the power of the federal government. As a result, Adams and Jefferson often clashed. Adams also made what many historians consider a mistake in choosing his cabinet. Adams simply kept Washington’s official advisers, mostly to satisfy political opponents. But later, Adams learned that many of his cabinet members opposed him, too. Historian John Ferling says Adams was “in over his head, and started swimming upstream” almost from the start of his presidency. Foreign policy crisis On top of all that, Adams faced a foreign policy crisis. After the French Revolution, Great Britain allied with other European nations against France. They wanted to keep the unrest from spreading to their countries.   Adams worked hard to make sure the U.S. did not get pulled into a war between France and Great Britain. But France did not trust the U.S. It tried to interrupt trade by seizing U.S. ships. Adams wanted to resolve the problem peacefully. He threatened military action, but he also sent diplomats to talk with French officials. Adams aimed for “an honorable peace” with France. It took some time but he got it. Historian John Ferling says although the crisis in Europe caused Adams “endless trouble,” he dealt with it well. Many years later, Adams wrote that “the greatest jewel in his crown” was reaching peace with France. The Adams family Even if Adams struggled as president, he was successful in other parts of his life. He grew up outside the city of Boston. His father was a farmer, as well as a church official and town leader. However, Adams chose to attend Harvard University and become a lawyer. Adams was a very good lawyer. In fact, he was one of the busiest lawyers in Boston. His success enabled him to buy a big, two-story house that still stands in Quincy, Massachusetts. Adams also had a happy marriage. The relationship between him and his wife, Abigail, is one of the best-known of that time. The two wrote many letters to each other during the years they were apart. More than 1,000 of their letters still survive today.John and Abigail Adams were both passionate patriots who supported the American Revolution. They also agreed about the issue of slavery. Unlike many founding families of the U.S., the couple did not own slaves and spoke out against the system of people owning other people. Election of 1800 In November of 1800, John and Abigail Adams moved to the Executive Mansion in Washington, D.C. Adams was the first president to live in what we now call the White House. They would not stay long, however.  Adams was facing a difficult re-election campaign. His vice president, Thomas Jefferson, was running against him. His party was divided – many Federalists supported other candidates. And some voters did not like his decisions – including creating a permanent army, raising taxes, and limiting the rights of immigrants. Those four laws – called the Alien and Sedition Acts – extended the time that immigrants had to wait before becoming U.S. citizens. They permitted the government to detain citizens from enemy nations without reason during wartime. The laws also permitted the president to expel foreign citizens he believed were dangerous. And they made criticizing the president or Congress a crime. Adams said the Acts aimed to control people in the U.S. who supported France. But many politicians at the time argued that the laws mostly affected people who supported the opposing political party. Historian John Ferling says they were right. And, he says, Adams may have been using the Alien and Sedition Acts to protect his political career. But they ended up damaging his public image. They also raised the question for the first time of whether states had the right to ignore a federal law if they disagreed with it. Adams and Jefferson Supporters of Vice President Thomas Jefferson used Adams’ approval of the Alien and Sedition Acts against him effectively. Jefferson’s campaign said Adams exercised so much power as president that he must want the U.S. to become a monarchy. Adams’ campaign said Jefferson was a radical who would bring revolution to the country. The U.S. had never experienced such an ugly election before. Some people wondered whether the country would be able to transfer power peacefully. When Jefferson won, however, Adams did not resist. He retired to his farm in Massachusetts. Adams spent most of his retirement writing. He even began exchanging long letters with his old friend – and old enemy – Thomas Jefferson. They two men discussed their families, their thoughts on politics and religion, and their nation’s history. The letters were both personally and historically meaningful: Adams and Jefferson were the last living members of the original patriots who started a new country. On July 4, 1826 – the nation’s 50th birthday – the two friends, patriots and former U.S. presidents died within hours of one another. I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.   Anne Ball and Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story. Caty Weaver was the editor. See how well you understand the story by taking this listening quiz. Play each video, then choose the best answer. ​ _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   passionately - adv. having, showing, or expressing strong emotions or beliefs upstream - adj. in the direction opposite to the flow in a stream or river interrupt - v.  to cause something to stop happening for a time patriot – n. person who supported the American Revolutionary War for freedom from Britain ugly - adj. unpleasant transfer - v. to give rights to another person original - adj. existing first or at the beginning

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