[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7755 of February 2, 2004


 
National Consumer Protection Week, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, America's consumers conduct millions of financial
transactions. During National Consumer Protection Week, we recognize
those who help to safeguard our citizens from consumer fraud, and we
encourage all Americans to be informed consumers. This year's theme,

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``Financial Literacy: Earning a Lifetime of Dividends,''; highlights the
importance of financial education to consumer protection.
The Federal Government provides many educational resources and programs
to help protect Americans against fraud by giving them information about
their options in the marketplace. The Federal Trade Commission and more
than 100 other Federal agencies have collaborated on a website,
www.consumer.gov, which provides helpful information ranging from how
credit ratings work to how to buy a new car. The Department of the
Treasury has also established an Office of Financial Education to
oversee inter agency efforts to coordinate and expand financial
education initiatives.
In addition, my Administration is working to expand financial literacy
for potential homeowners. We have doubled the funds for housing and
financial counseling services, including those run by faith-based and
community groups, and we are distributing millions of dollars in grants
to national, State, and local organizations that promote home buyer
education and counseling. The Department of Housing and Urban
Development is also collaborating with the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation to expand the ``Money Smart''; financial education program
in public housing. Education about the home-buying process not only
protects our citizens from consumer fraud, but also empowers them to
achieve their dreams.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 1 through
February 7, 2004, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon
government officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates to
provide consumers with information about the lifetime benefits of
financial literacy, and I encourage all citizens to take advantage of
the resources that can help them become responsible consumers, savers,
and investors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
PROCLAMATION 7756--FEB. 3, 2004