118 STAT. 4102 PROCLAMATION 7756—FEB. 3, 2004 ‘‘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 infor- mation about their options in the marketplace. The Federal Trade Com- mission 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 fi- nancial 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 In- surance 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 Con- stitution 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 advo- cates 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, sav- ers, 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 of February 3, 2004 National African American History Month, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During National African American History Month, we honor the herit- age and accomplishments of African Americans and recognize their ex- traordinary contributions to the United States. African Americans have upheld the ideals of America, defended our homeland, and enriched American culture and society. Brave leaders such as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, Mar- tin Luther King, Jr., and Leon Sullivan caused America to examine its VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4
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