Thrift Savings Plan Crackdown Is Working

The frequent traders often focused on the TSP's international fund, which tracks the Morgan Stanley Europe, Australasia and Far East Index, the rule says. The TSP international fund has been a top performer, gaining 26.32 percent in 2006 and 11.43 percent in 2007.

But it is down 9.13 percent since the start of this year, and many government employees have pulled out of the international and other stock funds in the past few months as volatility has increased on Wall Street and overseas.

For example, TSP participants transferred large amounts out of stocks in January, moving $4.4 billion into government securities and $1.3 billion into bonds. Last month, they transferred $810 million into government securities and $242 million into bonds, according to data released at yesterday's board meeting.

Wall Street's recent slump has pulled down the TSP's overall value. Account balances have dropped by $8.7 billion since December, to $222.9 billion last month.

Mileage Rate Increase

The General Services Administration has raised the mileage reimbursement rate to 50.5 cents per mile for government employees who use their personal automobile on official business.

The new rate, up from 48.5 cents per mile, will go into effect tomorrow, according to a GSA Web site posting.

The increase is in line with the rate authorized by the Internal Revenue Service for taxpayers who deduct mileage for business purposes.

The National Treasury Employees Union had urged the GSA to act quickly, noting that gasoline prices are more than $3 per gallon. "Timely, fair and adequate mileage reimbursement for all public servants is critical," union President Colleen M. Kelley said yesterday.

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.