Reimposing that cap - which was officially lifted Monday when the Finance Board published its rule in the Federal Register - would pose a problem because the program has already grown to $10.5 billion. A Finance Board spokesman said the agency probably would not force Home Loan banks to dispose of loans they have already bought, even if the cap were restored, but industry officials argue that the cap would unfairly curb competition with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. "The Mortgage Partnership programs are designed to increase capital available for mortgage lending and provide commercial banks and thrifts competitive alternatives in the secondary mortgage market," according to a letter sent Monday to Sen. Bond, Banking Committee Chairman Phil Gramm, and other key senators.