It's not a mere declaration but what is called an executive order, and therefore it's binding on the U.S. administration. It's a formal EO that was issued by the President of the United States; it therefore has an effect on the way in which executive discretion is exercised by the agencies to which the act is subject. I don't want members to think it's a mere declaration by President Obama; it's a formal executive order.
On March 11th, 2009. See this statement in context.