The government estimates it will spend $6.5 million by the end of January in salaries and other administrative costs for the $700 billion financial rescue program.

A Michigan company that supplies a South Carolina maker of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles has agreed to pay nearly $6 million for its role in an alleged kickback scheme.

A government audit says the Treasury Department needs tougher controls to oversee the $700 billion financial bailout package.

The federal government began the new budget year with a record deficit of $237.2 billion, reflecting the billions of dollars the government has started to pay out to rescue the financial system.

Federal bank regulators have rejected a request by banks and consumer advocates for a program to let lenders forgive huge portions of credit card debt.