    [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

    [[Page 4596]]

    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