Through Treasury Direct, we can purchase Treasury bonds, notes, and bills directly from the US Treasury. However, we cannot open an IRA at Treasury Direct. If we want Treasuries in our tax-advantaged retirement accounts, we must purchase through a broker, mutual fund, or ETF, resulting in fees and discouraging investment in our own country.
Much of the interest America pays servicing its debt goes overseas. (According to Wikipedia, as of January 2013 approx 47% of debt held by the public was held by foreign investors.)
Americans need to save more for retirement ("Most Americans' Retirement Savings Under $25K" - Christian Science Monitor, 3/19/13).
Please encourage increased savings and investment in America by Americans by allowing us to establish IRA accounts at Treasury Direct.