[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 9 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Pages 309-310]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8224--National Consumer Protection Week, 2008

 February 29, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    As we face new challenges in the 21st century, we must work to 
ensure that Americans are kept safe in the marketplace. During National 
Consumer Protection Week, as my Administration works with Congress to 
improve our consumer product safety system, we also encourage Americans 
to make informed financial decisions and take advantage of the resources 
that can help them become responsible consumers, savers, and investors.
    This year's theme for National Consumer Protection Week, ``Financial 
Literacy: A Sound Investment,'' encourages consumers to take steps to 
build a firm financial foundation. By becoming informed consumers, 
individuals can help plan for their future, protect their identity, and 
effectively manage their finances. It is important for citizens to be 
knowledgeable on financial matters such as choosing a health insurance 
plan, comparing savings and retirement plans, and realizing how credit 
scores can affect them. Education is the first line of defense in 
helping consumers manage their money wisely and safeguard themselves 
against fraud and identity theft.

[[Page 310]]

    My Administration is working to expand the American people's 
financial education. In January of this year, I signed an Executive 
Order establishing the President's Advisory Council on Financial 
Literacy. This Council will help keep America competitive and assist 
Americans in understanding and addressing financial matters. By visiting 
consumer.gov and mymoney.gov, Americans can discover the tools they need 
to make financial decisions and be successful in today's marketplace.
    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 March 2 through March 8, 
2008, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon Government 
officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates to make available 
information about how citizens can help to prevent fraud and identity 
theft, and I encourage all Americans to gain the financial literacy they 
need to compete in the 21st century.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:55 a.m., March 4, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
5. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.