Tax-Free Roth Option Proposed for Savings Plan

Such funds might offer socially responsible investments, real estate trusts, or gold or other commodities. Funds that refuse to do business with nations accused of sponsoring terrorism or violating human rights could also be made available to TSP participants, the officials said.

To go through a such a window to invest in outside funds would probably require the TSP to charge a fee, as it is unlikely that such investment choices would attract a majority of the program's 3.88 million participants, officials said.

Long said the TSP will survey participants about the services and choices they want and whether participants would be willing to pay extra for certain investments. But he added: "We are a long way from going down this road."

Still Time to Make the Race

A one-stop registration site will be open tomorrow for Capitol Hill staff and others to sign up for the 2008 Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure to end breast cancer.

As of yesterday, 31 congressional offices had formed race teams, and a number of federal and D.C. agencies and the mayor's office had registered their teams. The annual event will be held June 7, with more than 50,000 participants from across the country gathering on the Mall, according to organizers.

Individuals and teams may register between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 200 Maryland Ave. NE. For more information, call 703-416-7223 or go to http://www.nationalraceforthecure.org.

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