Thursday, September 11, 2008

Treasury offers mortgage takeover FAQ

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Treasury Department is trying to reassure investors that the government will meet its commitments in its unprecedented takeover of the nation's two largest mortgage companies.

The Treasury Department released a statement late Thursday seeking to answer commonly asked questions about the takeovers, including how solid it considered the pledge to provide up to $200 billion, if needed, to Fannie Mae (FNM, Fortune 500) and Freddie Mac (FRE, Fortune 500).

While some might speculate that a future Congress could overturn that commitment, such a law would be inconsistent with the government's longstanding history of honoring its obligations, the department said. 


Rescue cost: The big unknown