If the economy is in such bad shape that the president is signing bail-out bills, why are charge card companies allowed to increase their interest rate?

I received a notice today that my Sears credit card and my J.C. Penney’s credit card are increasing their interest rates to 25.24%! That is outrageous. Per their letter it is due to “this challenging business and economic climate.” Thank goodness I do not carry a balance on either card. How can they do this when all you hear is how bad the economy is and “what can American’s do to get out of this tailspin?”