Proclamation 9435-National Building Safety Month, 2016
Issued 2016-04-29 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation designating May 2016 as National Building Safety Month. The action recognizes people who work to ensure the safety and resilience of the nation's buildings and encourages Americans to learn about building safety practices. It does not create new laws or impose any legal requirements—it simply brings national attention to the importance of building safety.
The proclamation encourages citizens, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits to participate in activities that raise awareness about building safety. It directs Americans to visit Ready.gov to learn ways to keep themselves safe in homes and businesses and to learn how they can contribute to building safety in their communities. The White House also planned to host a Conference on Resilient Building Codes later that month to bring together public and private sector partners.
This matters because it uses the President's platform to highlight an issue that affects everyone who lives or works in buildings. While the proclamation itself doesn't change policy, it draws public attention to existing building safety standards and disaster preparedness measures. The action fits within the long presidential tradition of issuing ceremonial proclamations to recognize causes and encourage public awareness.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9435-National Building Safety Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to building safety. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9435—National Building Safety Month, 2016 April 29, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Buildings across our country provide safety and shelter to our people. From high-rises that form our cities' skylines to ranch homes that blanket the countryside, our buildings offer places to gather and perform daily activities, and they must have sound, secure, and resilient structures. During National Building Safety Month, we recognize and pay tribute to those who ensure the safety and resilience of our Nation's buildings, and we reaffirm our commitment to upholding and abiding by strong and effective building safety standards. Maintaining the safety and resilience of our homes and buildings is imperative. By using disaster-resistant building codes and standards, resilient construction materials, and safe and performance-based design methods, we can safeguard the workplaces, houses, schools, and other facilities that provide us with space to grow, live, and learn. Americans can also take steps to secure buildings before natural disasters strike by elevating properties where necessary, anchoring furniture and other materials, reinforcing doors, and covering windows. I encourage everyo