IV 

110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 973 

Supporting the goals and ideals of the 10th annual National Consumer 

Protection Week. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

FEBRUARY 12, 2008 

Mr. HINOJOSA (for himself and Mrs. BIGGERT) submitted the following 

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 

RESOLUTION 

Supporting the goals and ideals of the 10th annual National 

Consumer Protection Week. 

Whereas everyday, consumers conduct some type of financial 

transaction requiring an educated decision: shopping for 

a mortgage or auto loan; understanding and reconciling 

credit card statements and utility bills; choosing savings 

and retirement plans; comparing health insurance policies; understanding their credit report and how it affects 

their ability to get credit and on what terms; and simply 

deciding how to pay for a purchase; 

Whereas informed consumers are better equipped to see 

through frauds and deceptions, whether they take the 

form of questionable claims in an advertisement, offers 

that come in the mail or e-mail, or schemes designed to 

appear to be risk-free; 


smartinez on PRODPC61 with BILLS
2 

•HRES 973 IH 

Whereas the Federal Government provides many educational 

resources and programs to help people protect themselves 

against fraud by supplying them with information about 

their options in the marketplace; 

Whereas 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 reports and scores work to how 

to buy a new home; 

Whereas the Federal Trade Commission has prepared a collection of easy-to-use materials to enable anyone, regardless of his or her existing knowledge about identity theft, 

to learn about and inform others about how to protect 

themselves against this serious crime, which can be found 

at www.ftc.gov/IDTheft; 

Whereas consumers can find practical tips from National 

Consumer Protection Week partner organizations about 

how to manage their money, use credit wisely, avoid 

scams, and fend off fraud, and file a complaint online at 

www.consumer.gov/ncpw; 

Whereas, by gathering and sharing information, consumers 

and their friends and families can be more confident, 

savvy, and safe in the marketplace; 

Whereas increasing financial literacy and information about 

financial services provides consumers with the knowledge 

to obtain the most appropriate and prudent options for 

managing their finances and building wealth; 

Whereas a 2005 report by the Comptroller General entitled 

‘‘Credit Reporting Literacy’’ supports educational efforts 

to increase consumers’ understanding of the credit reporting process and suggests that such efforts target 


smartinez on PRODPC61 with BILLS
3 

•HRES 973 IH 

those areas in which consumers’ knowledge is weakest, 

including populations with less education, lower incomes, 

and less experience obtaining credit; and 

Whereas public, community-based, and private sector organizations throughout the United States are working to increase financial literacy rates and consumer protection 

for people of all ages and walks of life through a range 

of outreach efforts, including media campaigns, websites, 

and one-on-one counseling for individuals: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the goals and ideals of the 10th 

3 annual National Consumer Protection Week, includ4 ing raising public awareness about the importance of 

5 consumer protection and financial literacy; 

6 (2) requests that the President issue a procla7 mation calling upon Government officials, industry 

8 leaders, schools, nonprofit organizations, and con9 sumer advocates to provide citizens with the infor10 mation necessary to effectively protect themselves 

11 against consumer fraud, and encourage all citizens 

12 to take an active role in protecting their personal in13 formation; and 

14 (3) encourages people across the United States 

15 to take advantage of the wealth of consumer protecVerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Feb 13, 2008 Jkt 069200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR973.IH HR973

smartinez on PRODPC61 with BILLS
4 

•HRES 973 IH 

1 tion information that can enhance confidence in the 

2 marketplace and improve their financial literacy. 

Æ 


smartinez on PRODPC61 with BILLS