Department Of The Treasury Us

The Treasury Department formally extended the life of the controversial $700-billion bailout fund to October, saying it planned to sharply scale back use of the money, even as a government audit found the program lost $41.4 billion in the last fiscal year. The Troubled Asset Relief Program had major losses through September on some of its highest-profile investments -- $30.4 billion on the bailout of American International Group and another $30.4 billion combined on investments in General Motors and Chrysler, according to a report released Wednesday by the Government Accountability Office.

The Treasury Department formally extended the life of the controversial $700-billion bailout fund to October, saying it planned to sharply scale back use of the money, even as a government audit found the program lost $41.4 billion in the last fiscal year. The Troubled Asset Relief Program had major losses through September on some of its highest-profile investments -- $30.4 billion on the bailout of American International Group and another $30.4 billion combined on investments in General Motors and Chrysler, according to a report released Wednesday by the Government Accountability Office.

I regret Michael Kidby's unfortunate impression of the federal clearance process at LAX (Letters, Jan. 24). During the last 10 years, customs has revolutionized its inspection process to the point where it is transparent to the vast majority of travelers. We have adopted the red/green self-selection process seen throughout Europe. Roving inspectors at the baggage carousels, along with canines, screen passengers while they wait for their bags. Typically 85%-90% of an incoming flight will not stand in a customs line for processing.

Question: I recently received my 1986 proof silver Eagle from the U.S. Mint. I would like to order a 1987 proof silver Eagle but am told I will be able to get only one from a dealer (at an inflated price). Three dealers have told me that the Mint issued only the 1986 Eagle to the public, and the 1987 Eagle will be issued to dealers only. I'm new to coin collecting and wonder if I can order these and other sets directly from the Mint.--J.J.L.