US panel delays its ruling on $1.5 billion for Chrysler

A special government panel delayed a decision Tuesday on whether to grant the Chrysler Corporation, threatened with bankruptcy, up to $1.5 billion in federally backed loans. Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Carswell explained that the five-member Chrysler Loan Guarantee Board did not reach a final decision because some elements of the package are still being completed. The board will meet again later this week.