The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 03, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2012

EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY, U.S.A., 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION


For centuries, the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of character have driven American progress and enriched our national life.  On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we renew our commitment to these timeless aspirations, and we rededicate ourselves to fostering in our sons and daughters inquiring minds and compassionate hearts.

In a global economy where more than half of new jobs will demand higher education or advanced training, we must do everything we can to equip our children with the tools for success.  Their journey begins early, and it demands stewardship from throughout the community -- from parents and caregivers who inspire a love of learning to teachers and mentors who guide our children along the path to achievement.  Our Nation's prosperity grows with theirs, and by ensuring every child has access to a world class education, we reach for a brighter future for all Americans.

Yet, we also move forward knowing we cannot secure the promise of tomorrow through formal education alone.  With each generation, our Nation has confronted questions that tested the quality and character of our people.  We have borne witness to seemingly insurmountable problems of inequality, oppression, or dire circumstance at home and abroad, and where we have recognized injustice, the way forward has not always been clear.  Time and again, during moments of trial, Americans have demonstrated a fundamental commitment to compassion, cooperation, and goodwill toward others -- doing not what is easy, but what is right.  These qualities have come to define us, and as we prepare today's students to become tomorrow's leaders, let us nourish in them the virtues that have sustained our country for generations.

On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we reflect on the teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who embodied that humanitarian spirit.  As a tireless advocate for youth around the world, he inspired millions to lift the cause of education, to practice kindness and generosity, and to aspire toward their highest ideals.  His enduring legacy lives on in those he touched, and today, we resolve to carry forward his dedication to service and scholarship.

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 April 3, 2012, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 02, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- National Cancer Control Month, 2012

NATIONAL CANCER CONTROL MONTH, 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

This year, an estimated half a million Americans will lose their lives to cancer, and three times that many will be diagnosed with this devastating illness. Cancer patients are parents and grandparents, children and cherished friends; the disease touches almost all of us and casts a shadow over families and communities across our Nation. Yet, today, we stand at a critical moment in cancer research that promises significant advances for patients and an accelerated pace of lifesaving discoveries. During National Cancer Control Month, we remember those we have lost, support Americans fighting this disease, and recommit to progress toward effective cancer control.

Prevention and screening are our best defenses against cancer. All Americans can reduce their risk by keeping a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting sun exposure, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and living tobacco-free. Because tobacco use causes a wide variety of cancers and chronic lung diseases, I encourage individuals struggling to quit to call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.SmokeFree.gov for help and information.

Regular screening and check-ups with a health professional can also play a key role in preventing cancer and detecting the disease early, when it is often most treatable. Under the Affordable Care Act, over 54 million Americans with private health coverage have already received preventive services --including mammograms and other cancer screenings -- at no additional cost. For more resources on how to reduce the risk of developing cancer, visit www.Cancer.gov.

Federally funded research has brought about landmark advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment that promise real change for the millions of Americans facing this disease. Sophisticated analysis continues to shed light on the molecular basis of cancer and unlock new therapies. Innovative studies are paving the way for effective treatments to deadly cancers, including melanoma. And new research shows that screening procedures can reduce mortality from lung cancer, which could save lives among those at greatest risk. As we move forward, my Administration will continue to support groundbreaking cancer research that brings hope to countless individuals and families across our country.

Over the past several decades, we have made remarkable progress in understanding and combatting cancer. We owe the knowledge we have gained and the lives we have saved to the countless doctors, patients, families, and researchers whose dedication and perseverance have led the way to today's most promising technologies and treatments. During National Cancer Control Month, we pay tribute to the men, women, and children we have lost to cancer, and we look ahead to a future in which more Americans have the opportunity to live out the full measure of their days in health and happiness.

The Congress of the United States, by joint resolution approved March 28, 1938 (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103), as amended, has requested the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as "Cancer Control Month."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 2012 as National Cancer Control Month. I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control cancer.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 02, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- National Financial Capability Month, 2012

NATIONAL FINANCIAL CAPABILITY MONTH, 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Across our country, millions of Americans work hard and play by the rules to protect the gains they have made and secure a brighter future for their loved ones. The resilience and ingenuity of our people are driving our economic recovery, and as we lay the foundation for an America built to last, we must also promote a financial system that is fair and sound for all. During National Financial Capability Month, we recommit to ensuring everyone has access to the information and tools that empower them to operate safely and smartly in the marketplace.

A strong and stable economy requires responsibility from top to bottom -- from banks and borrowers to workers and executives. To protect everyday Americans from abuses in the financial industry, I appointed Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB). His responsibility -- and that of the CFPB -- is to ensure all Americans have the resources they need to make sound financial decisions, and to guarantee every individual receives fair treatment when they apply for a mortgage, take out a student loan, or use a credit card.

As we work to put an end to predatory behavior in our financial markets, my Administration is taking action to empower individuals and families with the tools they need to get ahead. Last year, we collaborated with representatives from the private, public, and non-profit industries to release the National Strategy for Financial Literacy -- a comprehensive plan to improve financial education across our country. The President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability (PACFC) continues to identify and promote the most effective, data-driven strategies to better educate Americans on financial issues. With help from the PACFC, we are working to provide our young people with financial skills to become successful students, entrepreneurs, and leaders; to ensure American workers are able to provide for their loved ones and save for retirement; and to foster financial capability in families and communities across our Nation.

During National Financial Capability Month, we rededicate ourselves to advancing robust consumer education and to helping every individual take ownership of their financial future. I encourage all Americans to take advantage of the free, reliable financial resources at www.MyMoney.gov, www.ConsumerFinance.gov, and 1-888-MyMoney.

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 April 2012 as National Financial Capability Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities to improve their understanding of financial principles and practices.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 02, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- World Autism Awareness Day, 2012

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY, 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affect young people and adults of every background, and millions of American families know the weight of their impact. On World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize ASDs as a growing public health issue and recommit to supporting those living with an ASD and their loved ones.

We have made great strides in our understanding of the autism spectrum, and today, children and adults with ASDs are leading independent and productive lives. However, barriers still remain for these individuals and their families. As a Nation, we share a responsibility to ensure persons living with ASDs have the opportunity to pursue their full measure of happiness and achieve their greatest potential.

Meeting the needs of Americans on the autism spectrum remains a priority for my Administration. Last September, I was proud to sign the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, which provides critical funding for autism research, education, early detection, and support and services for children and adults. Under the Affordable Care Act, new insurance plans are required to cover autism screenings and developmental assessments for children at no additional cost to parents. Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and young people can stay on their parents' health insurance plan until age 26, easing financial burdens for families. With the Department of Education, we are making substantial investments in enhancing education for children on the autism spectrum -- from early learning to higher education. And federally funded research continues to explore how we can improve independent living, develop assistive technology, and advance vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with autism. For additional information and resources, I encourage all Americans to visit www.HHS.gov/autism.

As new policies and bold actions break down old barriers and reshape attitudes, we move closer to a world free of discrimination and full of understanding for our family members and friends living with ASDs. On World Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our dedication to supporting those on the autism spectrum and their families, and let us continue the work of ensuring all our people have a chance at achieving the American dream.

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 April 2, 2012, as World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 02, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2012

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As parents, as communities, and as a Nation, the work of raising our children stands among our greatest responsibilities and our most profound blessings.  The support we give and the examples we set form cornerstones for their success, and by teaching our children to trust in themselves, we equip them with confidence, hope, and determination that can last a lifetime.  Tragically, neglect and abuse erode this fundamental promise for too many young Americans.  During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to break the cycle of violence, strengthen support for all who have been affected, and empower our young people with the best we have to offer.

Over half a million American children suffer neglect or abuse every year.  A strong and well informed family unit is the surest defense against child abuse, and parents and caregivers who have support    from relatives, friends, neighbors, and their communities    are more likely to provide safe and healthy homes for their children.  Trusted friends and active community members can help ensure families get the support they need by offering their time and resources, taking an active role in children's lives, and fostering a safe environment for young people to learn and grow.  By coming together in service to our communities, we do more to meet our obligation to do right by the next generation.

My Administration continues to prioritize the health and well being of children across our country.  With partners at every level of government and throughout the private sector, we are supporting services that protect young Americans from abuse and neglect and extend help to those who have been affected.  We are investing in early learning programs and supporting initiatives that promote positive outcomes for children and families.  And we are connecting parents and professionals to new tools to identify, treat, and prevent abuse.  I encourage all Americans to learn more about what they can do at:  www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up with the promise and protection of a loving family.  This month, we recommit to that vision, and to providing care, stability, and a brighter future for our sons and daughters.

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 April 2012 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 02, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, 2012

NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION


Though we have come far in the fight to reduce sexual violence, the prevalence of sexual assault remains an affront to our national conscience that we cannot ignore.  This month, we stand with survivors of sexual assault, join together to break the silence, and recommit to ending this devastating crime.

Rape and sexual assault inflict profound suffering upon millions of Americans every year.  Nearly one in five women has been raped, and still more have endured other forms of sexual violence or abuse.  Tragically, these crimes take their greatest toll on young people; women between the ages of 16 and 24 are at greatest risk of rape and sexual assault, and many victims, male and female, first experience abuse during childhood.  The trauma of sexual violence leaves scars that may never fully heal.  Many survivors experience depression, fear, and suicidal feelings in the months and years following an assault, and some face health problems that last a lifetime.

It is up to all of us to ensure victims of sexual violence are not left to face these trials alone.  Too often, survivors suffer in silence, fearing retribution, lack of support, or that the criminal justice system will fail to bring the perpetrator to justice.  We must do more to raise awareness about the realities of sexual assault; confront and change insensitive attitudes wherever they persist; enhance training and education in the criminal justice system; and expand access to critical health, legal, and protection services for survivors.  As we fight sexual assault in our communities, so must we combat this crime within our Armed Forces.  The Department of Defense provides additional resources for service members and military families at 1-877-995-5247 and at:  www.SafeHelpline.org.

With the leadership of Vice President Joe Biden, my Administration is working to stop sexual violence before it begins and ensure justice for the countless men, women, and children who have already been harmed.  Last year, we introduced comprehensive guidance to schools, colleges, and universities to clarify their obligations under existing civil rights law to prevent and respond to campus sexual assault.  In January, we issued a revised definition of rape that will improve our understanding of where and how often this crime occurs.  And today, we are collaborating with private organizations and agencies at every level of government to bolster advocacy and assistance for victims of sexual violence.  All of us share a responsibility to those in need.  By standing with survivors of rape and sexual assault and helping them secure the support and services they deserve, we do right by the ideals of compassion and service at the heart of the American character.  For additional information and resources, visit:  www.WhiteHouse.gov/1is2many.

During National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle of violence that threatens lives, erodes communities, and weakens our country.  As we reflect on the progress we have made and the distance we have yet to go, let us recommit to empowering survivors and fighting for a safer future for every American.

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 April 2012 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.  I urge all Americans to support survivors of sexual assault and work together to prevent these crimes in their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

 

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
April 02, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- National Donate Life Month, 2012

NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH, 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

With quiet compassion and exceptional generosity, organ and tissue donors leave an indelible mark on the lives of countless Americans. Their selfless acts inspire hope at moments of profound need, and they recall the giving spirit that lies at the heart of our national character. During National Donate Life Month, we reflect on that essential quality and recommit to saving lives through organ and tissue donation.

The need for donors is greater than ever before. Today, more than 110,000 Americans await an organ transplant, and while many individuals will receive lifesaving treatment, too many will pass before help arrives. All of us can play a part in ending this unacceptable loss of life. I encourage every American to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor; to consult their family, friends, physician, or faith leader about their decision; and if they choose to be a donor, to register on their state organ donor registry. To learn more about organ and tissue donation and how to enroll in a donor registry, visit: www.OrganDonor.gov.

Even as millions of Americans choose to donate life, our Nation continues to face a shortage of donors that impacts patients and families across our country. This month, we renew our commitment to addressing this urgent public health issue, supporting donors and their families, and ensuring every individual has access to the care and services they need.

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 April 2012 as National Donate Life Month. I call upon health care professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies, faith-based and community groups, and private organizations to join forces to boost the number of organ and tissue donors throughout our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 29, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- Vietnam Veterans Day

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon.  Operation Chopper marked America's first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars.  Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true.  Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.

The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission.  It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved.  It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm's way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear.  From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.

Eleven years of combat left their imprint on a generation.  Thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; still more were burdened by the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, of Agent Orange, of memories that would never fade.  More than 58,000 laid down their lives in service to our Nation.  Now and forever, their names are etched into two faces of black granite, a lasting memorial to those who bore conflict's greatest cost.

Our veterans answered our country's call and served with honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam.  Yet, in one of the war's most profound tragedies, many of these men and women came home to be shunned or neglected -- to face treatment unbefitting their courage and a welcome unworthy of their example.  We must never let this happen again.  Today, we reaffirm one of our most fundamental obligations:  to show all who have worn the uniform of the United States the respect and dignity they deserve, and to honor their sacrifice by serving them as well as they served us.  Half a century after those helicopters swept off the ground and into the annals of history, we pay tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded, the millions who served, and the millions more who awaited their return.  Our Nation stands stronger for their service, and on Vietnam Veterans Day, we honor their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude.

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 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 26, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- To Modify Duty-free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences and for Other Purposes

TO MODIFY DUTY-FREE TREATMENT UNDER
THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION


 1.  Section 502(b)(2)(E) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the "1974 Act") (19 U.S.C. 2462(b)(2)(E)), provides that the President shall not designate any country a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) if such country fails to act in good faith in recognizing as binding or in enforcing arbitral awards in favor of United States citizens or a corporation, partnership, or association that is 50 percent or more beneficially owned by United States citizens, which have been made by arbitrators appointed for each case or by permanent arbitral bodies to which the parties involved have submitted their dispute.  Section 502(d)(2) (19 U.S.C. 2462(d)(2)) provides that, after complying with the requirements of section 502(f)(2) (19 U.S.C. 2462(f)(2)), the President shall withdraw or suspend the designation of any country as a beneficiary developing country if, after such designation, the President determines that as the result of changed circumstances such country would be barred from designation as a beneficiary developing country under section 502(b)(2).  Section 502(f)(2) requires the President to notify the Congress and the country concerned at least 60 days before terminating the country's designation as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP.

 2.  Having considered the factors set forth in section 502(b)(2)(E) of the 1974 Act, I have determined pursuant to section 502(d) that it is appropriate to suspend Argentina's designation as a GSP beneficiary developing country because it has not acted in good faith in enforcing arbitral awards in favor of United States citizens or a corporation, partnership, or association that is 50 percent or more beneficially owned by United States citizens, and I will so notify the Congress.  In order to reflect the suspension of Argentina's status as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP, I have determined that it is appropriate to modify general note 4(a) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).

 3.  Pursuant to section 502(a) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2462(a)), the President is authorized to designate countries as beneficiary developing countries and to designate any beneficiary developing country as a least-developed beneficiary developing country, for purposes of the GSP.  Section 502(f)(1)(A) (19 U.S.C. 2462(f)(1)(A)) requires the President to notify the Congress before designating any country as a beneficiary developing country.  Section 502(f)(1)(B) (19 U.S.C. 2462(f)(1)(B)) requires the President to notify the Congress at least 60 days before designating any country as a least-developed beneficiary country.

 4.  Pursuant to section 502(a)(1) of the 1974 Act, having considered the factors set forth in section 502(c) (19 U.S.C. 2462(c)), I have determined that the Republic of South Sudan should be designated as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP, and I will so notify the Congress.

 5.  Pursuant to section 502(a)(2) of the 1974 Act, having considered the factors set forth in section 502(c), I have determined that the Republic of South Sudan should also be designated as a least-developed beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP, and I will so notify the Congress.

 6.  Section 203(o) of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the "CAFTA-DR Implementation Act") (19 U.S.C. 4033(o)) authorizes the President to proclaim as part of the HTS the provisions set out in Annex 4.1 of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).

 7.  Appendix 4.1-B of Annex 4.1 of the CAFTA-DR provides that "[f]or purposes of determining whether a good of chapter 62 of the Harmonized System is originating, materials used in the production of such a good that are produced in Canada or Mexico and that would be originating under this Agreement if produced in the territory of a Party shall be considered as having been produced in the territory of a Party."  For the Dominican Republic, this rule entered into effect only with regard to Mexico.  Furthermore, under the terms of Appendix 4.1-B, for operations performed in the Dominican Republic, this rule would no longer apply to Mexican-produced materials 5 years from the date CAFTA-DR enters into force, unless within that 5-year period, the Dominican Republic concludes a free trade agreement with Mexico and provides written notification to the United States and other Parties to the CAFTA-DR that the Dominican Republic and Mexico have taken actions necessary to provide reciprocal application of the rule.  The 5-year period expired on March 1, 2012, and the Dominican Republic has not concluded a free trade agreement with Mexico.  Accordingly, the rule set out in Appendix 4.1-B to Annex 4.1 of the CAFTA-DR, no longer applies to operations performed in the Dominican Republic, and the HTS must be modified to implement this provision of Annex 4.1.

8.  Section 3 of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act of 2010, Public Law 111-171, amended section 213(b) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2703(b)), to extend the duration of duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles qualifying as the product of a beneficiary country under the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act until September 30, 2020.  A modification to the HTS needs to be made to reflect this amendment.

9.  Presidential Proclamation 8771 of December 29, 2011, modified the HTS to conform it to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (the "Convention").  Technical corrections to the HTS are necessary to ensure conformity with the Convention.
 
10.  Presidential Proclamation 8783 of March 6, 2012, authorized the United States Trade Representative to modify U.S. note 4 to subchapter XX of chapter 99 of the HTS in a notice published in the Federal Register to reflect modifications made by the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) to the list of fabrics, yarns, or fibers in Annex 4-B-1 of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement.  That authorization erroneously referred to paragraph (6), and instead should refer to paragraph (5) of that proclamation.

11.  Section 604 of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2483) authorizes the President to embody in the HTS the substance of the relevant provisions of that Act, and of other Acts affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.

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 of America, including but not limited to title V and section 604 of the 1974 Act, section 203(o) of the CAFTA-DR Implementation Act, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, do proclaim that:

(1)  The designation of Argentina as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP is suspended on the date that is 60 days after the date this proclamation is published in the Federal Register.

(2)  In order to reflect the suspension of Argentina's designation as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP, general note 4 of the HTS is modified as set forth in section A of the Annex to this proclamation, effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the date that is 60 days after the date this proclamation is published in the Federal Register.

(3)  The Republic of South Sudan is designated as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP, effective on the date that is 20 days after the date of this proclamation.

(4)  In order to reflect this designation in the HTS, general note 4(a) to the HTS is modified by adding in alphabetical order "South Sudan" to the list entitled, "Independent Countries," effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the date that is 20 days after the date of this proclamation.

(5)  The Republic of South Sudan is designated as a least-developed beneficiary developing country for purposes of the GSP, effective 60 days after the date this proclamation is published in the Federal Register.

(6)  In order to reflect this designation in the HTS, general note 4(b)(i) is modified by adding in alphabetical order "South Sudan," effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the date that is 60 days after the date this proclamation is published in the Federal Register. 

(7)  In order to implement Appendix 4.1-B to Annex 4.1 of the CAFTA-DR, with respect to operations performed in the Dominican Republic, the HTS is modified as set forth in section B of the Annex to this proclamation.

(8)  The modifications to the HTS set forth in section B of the Annex to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after March 1, 2012.

(9)  In order to implement section 3 of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act of 2010, the HTS is modified as set forth in section C of the Annex to this proclamation.

(10)  The modification to the HTS set forth in section C of the Annex to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after May 24, 2010.

(11)  In order to make the technical corrections to the HTS necessary to conform to the Convention, the HTS is modified as set forth in section D of the Annex to this proclamation.

(12)  The modifications to the HTS set forth in section D of the Annex to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after February 3, 2012.

(13)  Paragraph (9) of Presidential Proclamation 8783 is amended to provide that the United States Trade Representative is authorized to modify U.S. note 4 to subchapter XX of chapter 99 of the HTS in a notice published in the Federal Register to reflect modifications pursuant to paragraph (5) of Presidential Proclamation 8783 by the CITA to the list of fabrics, yarns, or fibers in Annex 4-B-1 of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

(14)  Any provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that are inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation are superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.


BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 23, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- Cesar Chavez Day, 2012

CESAR CHAVEZ DAY, 2012

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

One of our Nation's great civil rights leaders, Cesar Estrada Chavez came of age as a migrant farm worker, witnessing the injustice that pervaded fields and vineyards across California. Facing discrimination, poverty, and dangerous working conditions, laborers toiled for little pay and without access to even the most basic necessities. Yet amidst hardship and abuse, Cesar Chavez saw the promise of change -- the unlimited potential of a community organized around a common purpose. Today, we celebrate his courage, reflect on his lifetime of advocacy, and recognize the power in each of us to lift up lives and pursue social justice.

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other visionary leaders, Cesar Chavez based his campaign on principles of nonviolence, which he called "the quality of the heart." Through boycotts, fasts, strikes, and marches that demanded both endurance and imagination, he drew thousands together in support of "La Causa" -- a mission to ensure respect, dignity, and fair treatment for farm workers. Alongside Dolores Huerta, he founded the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), an organization tasked with defending and empowering the men and women who feed the world.

As a tribute to Cesar Chavez's life and work, my Administration designated the Forty Acres site in Delano, California, as a National Historical Landmark last year, forever commemorating the birthplace of the UFW. In May 2011, the United States Navy named the USNS Cesar Chavez in recognition of his service during World War II. And this month, we honor ten Americans as Champions of Change for their commitment to realizing Cesar Chavez's dream of a more just tomorrow. Decades after his struggle began, Cesar Chavez's legacy lives on in all who draw inspiration from the values of service, determination, and community that ignited his movement.

On the 85th anniversary of Cesar Chavez's birth, we are reminded of what we can accomplish when we recognize our common humanity. He told us, "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." As we honor his broad ambitions and expansive vision, let us pledge to stand forever on the side of equal opportunity and justice for all.

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 31, 2012, as Cesar Chavez Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate service, community, and education programs to honor Cesar Chavez's enduring legacy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA