The taxpayers have already paid over $150 billion to keep Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-backed mortgage giants, from collapsing.&nbsp; Consequently, as a means of shrinking the federal government, many believe both companies should be phased out and the housing market taken over by the private sector.&nbsp; But, easier said than done.&nbsp; A lack of consensus on the best way to achieve the goal, and questioning if, in fact, it is the right thing to do while the housing market struggles in a poor economy, jeopardizes legislation that would close the companies.&nbsp; What other factors are playing into this politically sensitive issue?&nbsp; Get the details at:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42751787/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/">www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42751787/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/</a><br />
<br />