[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 20 (Thursday, February 1, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S1538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 67--DESIGNATING MARCH 2007 AS ``GO DIRECT MONTH''

  Mrs. DOLE submitted the following resolution; which was considered 
and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 67

       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
       Resolved, 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.

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