In an attempt to reduce the government’s role in the mortgage business, the Obama administration – according to a CNN Money report – is proposing to eventually shut down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and will offer several options as part of its plan. In the pockets of taxpayers to the tune of $150 billion, the two have become a political football. Some Republicans blame them for the real estate bubble bursting, but Democrats say they help lower- and middle-income people buy homes. Options include a more limited role for government overall, more control over the mortgages Fannie and Freddie acquire, the government’s guarantee of loans during tough economic times, increased down payments from customers, and increased fees charged to banks to guarantee mortgages.