III 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 67 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 1, 2007 Mrs. Dole submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating March 2007 as Go Direct Month.

Whereas the Department of the Treasury issued 57,000 checks worth approximately $54,000,000 that were endorsed illegally in 2006; Whereas the Department of the Treasury receives approximately 1,500,000 inquiries each year regarding problems with paper checks; Whereas the use of direct deposit has resulted in more than $6,000,000,000 in savings for the Federal Government since 1986; Whereas more than 12,000,000 social security and other Federal benefit recipients have 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 than paper checks because the use of direct deposit— (1)helps protect against identity theft and fraud; (2)provides easier access to funds during emergencies and natural disasters; and (3)provides citizens of the United States with more control over their money; Whereas the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks have launched Go Direct, a national campaign organized to encourage the people 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 are educating the people of the United States about the advantages of using direct deposit and assisting people during the enrollment process: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)supports the goals and ideals of Go Direct; (2)designates March 2007 as Go Direct Month; (3)commends Federal, State, and local governments, and the private sector, for promoting March as Go Direct Month; and (4)encourages the people of the United States to— (A)participate in events and awareness initiatives held during the month of March; (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.