[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 40 (Monday, October 6, 2003)]
[Pages 1280-1281]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 1281]]

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.
    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.