National Consumer Protection Week, 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 information 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.