[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8482--MAR. 5, 2010

Proclamation 8482 of March 5, 2010
National Consumer Protection Week, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Every day, American consumers decide how and where to spend their money.
Their decisions have far-reaching effects for both their financial well-
being and our Nation's economic stability. National Consumer Protection
Week (NCPW) gives all Americans an opportunity to become better-informed
consumers.
This year, NCPW focuses on the importance of being a careful consumer at
every stage of life, from grade school to retirement. To help our
children grow into financially responsible adults and avoid frauds and
scams, we must help them understand the marketplace. Parents and
educators can play a role by teaching them about advertising and
marketing, smart financial practices, and keeping personal information
safe and secure.
My Administration is committed to protecting American consumers. Last
month, major reforms went into effect with the Credit Card
Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009. This
landmark legislation reins in deceptive tactics that unfairly penalize
responsible consumers with unreasonable costs. However, consumers must
also learn to avoid predatory practices and manage their financial
resources more effectively. That is why I established the President's
Advisory Council on Financial Capability, which is looking for new ways
to help individuals make informed financial decisions.
Still, our Government must do more to stand up for consumers. From
excessive bank account overdraft fees to abusive mortgage lending
practices, our broken financial system produces profits at the expense
of American families. I support the creation of an independent Consumer
Financial Protection Agency to safeguard ordinary Americans as they
navigate the financial marketplace.
Giving Americans of all ages the resources they need to make wise buying
decisions is the responsibility of Federal, State, and local consumer
protection agencies, private sector organizations, and consumer advocacy
groups. This week, I encourage all Americans to visit Consumer.gov/NCPW
for informative and interactive resources to help them take full
advantage of their consumer rights.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 7 through March
13, 2010, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon government
officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates across our Nation to
share information about consumer protection; and I encourage all
Americans to learn more about marketing and

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business, whether they are shopping at their local store or in the
global online marketplace.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of March,
in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA