National Consumer Protection Week, 2008

Proclamation 8224 of February 29, 2008

National Consumer Protection Week, 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.

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.