National Consumer Protection Week, 2013

Vol. 78

Wednesday,

No. 44

March 6, 2013

Part II

The President

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Proclamation 8937--National Consumer Protection Week, 2013

Proclamation 8938--10th Anniversary of the United States Department of
Homeland Security

Proclamation 8939--100th Anniversary of the United States Department of
Labor

Order of March 1, 2013--Sequestration Order for Fiscal Year 2013
Pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act, as Amended

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8937 of March 1, 2013

National Consumer Protection Week, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over 4 years ago, widespread abuses in America's
financial system nearly brought our economy to its
knees. Millions saw their life savings erode,
businesses shuttered their doors, and families were
devastated by job loss and foreclosure. This crisis
cast a harsh light on the breakdown in oversight that
led to an epidemic of irresponsibility, and it
highlighted the need for common-sense regulations to
protect the vast majority of Americans from the
reckless actions of a few. During National Consumer
Protection Week, we remember those lessons, and we
recognize that our shared prosperity depends on
empowering all Americans to make sound decisions for
themselves and their families.

My Administration is ramping up consumer protection
throughout the economy. Last year, we established a new
unit to combat fraud and investigate the abusive
lending and mortgage packaging that led to the housing
crisis. We launched the ``Know Before You Owe''
campaign to help students and their parents make smart
decisions about paying for college. We cracked down on
unscrupulous lenders and credit card companies that
charge hidden fees. And we did away with the practice
of adding pages of misleading fine print to important
financial agreements.

We are also committed to helping consumers avoid scams,
protect their personal information, and make good
financial decisions. That is why agencies across the
Federal Government joined with consumer advocates to
launch www.NCPW.gov, an online resource that provides
practical advice for managing finances and safeguarding
against identity theft.

As the driving force behind our economy, consumers
deserve clear rules, fair treatment, and full
disclosure. Whether opening credit cards, buying cars,
applying for mortgages, or taking out student loans,
all Americans should have access to complete, concise
information. This week, we resolve to strengthen
consumer rights and build a more transparent,
efficient, effective marketplace.

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 3 through March
9, 2013, 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
first day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.