[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 363 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]








109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 363

           Designating February 2006 as ``Go Direct Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            February 1, 2006

   Mr. Coleman (for himself and Mr. Kennedy) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
           Designating February 2006 as ``Go Direct Month''.

Whereas the Department of Treasury issued over 70,000 checks worth approximately 
        $61,000,000 that were illegally signed for in 2004;
Whereas the Department of the Treasury receives approximately 500,000 telephone 
        calls each year regarding problems with paper checks;
Whereas the use of direct deposit has resulted in approximately $5,000,000,000 
        in savings for the Federal Government since 1986;
Whereas 1 out of every 5 newly eligible Social Security recipients has yet to 
        sign up for direct deposit;
Whereas the United States would generate approximately $120,000,000 in annual 
        savings if all federal beneficiaries used direct deposit;
Whereas the use of direct deposit is a more secure, reliable, and cost effective 
        method of payment because the use of direct deposit--

    (1) eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks;

    (2) helps protect against fraud; and

    (3) provides citizens of the United States with more control over their 
money;

Whereas the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank has launched 
        ``Go Direct'', a national campaign organized to encourage citizens of 
        the United States to use direct deposit for the receipt of Social 
        Security and other Federal benefits; and
Whereas, by working with financial institutions, advocacy groups, and community 
        organizations, the sponsors of ``Go Direct'' educate citizens of the 
        United States about the advantages of using direct deposit and assist 
        them during the enrollment process: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goals and ideas of ``Go Direct'';
            (2) proclaims February 2006 as ``Go Direct Month'';
            (3) commends Federal, State, and local governments, and the 
        private sector, for promoting February as ``Go Direct Month''; 
        and
            (4) encourages all citizens of the United States to--
                    (A) participate in events and awareness initiatives 
                held during the month of February;
                    (B) become informed about the convenience and 
                safety of direct deposit; and
                    (C) consider signing up for direct deposit of 
                Social Security or other Federal benefits.
                                 <all>