Translation: The blank check the Treasury gave Fannie and Freddie (on Christmas Eve 2009, when no one was supposed to notice) remains in force.

FORBES: Fannie and Freddie Feeling No Pain, That's For Taxpayers

But I would check with Treasury.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

There are tougher benchmarks for recordkeeping and more detailed reporting, along with requirements to check customers against the Treasury Department's so-called specially designated persons list.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Guido Carli, one of Mr Ciampi's predecessors as governor, tried unsuccessfully to keep the politicians' excesses in check when he was treasury minister between 1989 and 1992.

ECONOMIST: Bank of Italy

It would be easier to ask you and I to write a check directly to the Treasury since the taxes and fees will clearly be passed along to customers.

FORBES: Obama's Plan for Higher Airline Taxes Sees Not So Friendly Skies Ahead

Provide a check payable to the Department of Treasury in the total amount of tax, interest and accuracy-related penalty for the voluntary disclosure period.

FORBES: IRS Amnesty: What's Required By 8/31/11?

"My goal, one that's been talked about for many years, is to get out of the check-payment business, " said Richard Gregg, Treasury's Fiscal Assistant Secretary and one of the officials overseeing the program.

WSJ: Tax Refunds Move to Debit Cards

And the Treasury Department has discretion to stop sending paper checks in the future, so check recipients will want to look into the electronic options.

WSJ: Government Pushes Paperless Payments for Social Security

While his dollars were enjoying the security of the world's safest investment - Treasury bonds have never failed to pay out - most US investors were taking a financial "rain-check" and cancelling their summer vacations.

BBC: Greenspan plays it safe