For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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,
"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
# # #
|