A very interesting aspect of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 is that it would appear to allow the government to purchase troubled assets from “eligible retirement plans.” Here is the language:
SEC. 103. CONSIDERATIONS. In exercising the authorities granted in this Act, the Secretary shall take into consideration—
. . . (8) protecting the retirement security of Americans by purchasing troubled assets held by or on behalf of an eligible retirement plan described in clause (iii), (iv), (v), or (vi) of section 402(c)(8)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except that such authority shall not extend to any compensation arrangements subject to section 409A of such Code;. . .