[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9086--FEB. 28, 2014

Proclamation 9086 of February 28, 2014

National Consumer Protection Week, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The premise that we are all created equal is the opening line in the
American story, and while we do not promise equal outcomes, we have
always strived to deliver equal opportunity. When everyone gets a fair
shot, does their fair share, and plays by the same set of rules, the
best ideas rise to the top and our economy thrives. After 6 years of
digging out of a historic crisis brought on by widespread abuses in our
financial system, it is clearer than ever that we cannot succeed without
strong consumer protections. This week, we remember that our Nation's
economy is only as strong as its people, and we recommit to fostering a
sense of basic fairness in our marketplace.
Since I took office, my Administration has worked tirelessly to expose
deceptive mortgage schemes, crack down on abusive debt collection
practices, and ensure an irresponsible few cannot hurt consumers by
illegally rigging markets for their own gain. We have taken action to
prevent credit card companies from hiding fees in intentionally obscure
text and given families access to clear, comprehensive informa

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tion on student loans. We passed the strongest consumer financial
protection law in history and created an independent watchdog charged
with looking out for the American people in the financial world. And to
introduce more choice for those planning for retirement, I launched the
myRA program, a new type of savings bond that lets Americans keep the
same account, even if they change jobs.
It is also critical that all Americans know their rights and have the
tools to weigh the risks and potential benefits of their choices in the
open market. In partnership with consumer advocates, my Administration
launched www.NCPW.gov, which provides advice on everything from avoiding
scams, protecting identities, and staying informed about product recalls
to managing debt and making sound financial decisions.
During National Consumer Protection Week, let us recognize the men and
women who power the engine of prosperity. Together, let us build an
economy that works for everyone, leaves no one behind, and allows every
American to pursue their own measure of happiness.
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 2 through March
8, 2014, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon government
officials, industry leaders, and advocates across the Nation to share
information about consumer protection and provide our citizens with
information about their rights as consumers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day
of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA