    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [September 29, 2003]
    [Pages 1208-1209]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Signing Legislation To Ratify the Authority of the Federal
    Trade Commission To Establish a Do-Not-Call Registry
    September 29, 2003

        Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming, and welcome back to the
    White House.
        This summer, the Federal Trade Commission, ably headed by Tim
    Muris, and the Federal Communications
    Commission, ably headed by Michael Powell,
    joined to create a national Do-Not-Call Registry. The registry allows
    Americans to shield their home and cell phone numbers from most unwanted
    telemarketing calls. By signing up over the phone or online, people can
    protect their privacy and their family time from intrusive, annoying,
    unwelcome commercial solicitations.
        The Do-Not-Call Registry is a practical solution to address a
    growing concern. I'm honored that Senator Stevens is with us, the chairman; Congressman Billy
    Tauzin, the chairman, is with us; Ed
    Markey, ranking member; Fred Upton. I appreciate you all coming.

    [[Page 1209]]

        The reason they're here is they acted to a response from the
    judiciary. They acted as well because the American people clearly like
    the idea of a Do-Not-Call Registry. After all, since the first signup
    day 3 months ago, Americans have entered over 50 million telephone
    numbers in the Do-Not-Call Registry.
        While many good people work in the telemarketing industry, the
    public is understandably losing patience with these unwanted phone
    calls, unwanted intrusions. And given a choice, Americans prefer not to
    receive random sales pitches at all hours of the day. And the American
    people should be free to restrict these calls.
        Last week, a Federal judge objected to the Do-Not-Call Registry on
    the grounds that Congress had not authorized its creation. So the House
    and the Senate authorized its creation. You acted swiftly, and I want to
    congratulate you very much. It's a really good action. The Senate voted
    95-0; the House 412-8. This affirmed the decision by the FTC, and it's
    affirmed the wishes of the American people.
        The Do-Not-Call Registry is still being challenged in court. Yet,
    the conclusion of the American people and the legislative branch and the
    executive branch is beyond question. So today I'm pleased to sign this
    important piece of legislation into law. Want to come and join us?

    Note: The President spoke at 3:40 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. H.R. 3161, approved September 29, was assigned Public Law
    No. 108-82. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.