The term 'BANKS MAY FLOAT THEM' is referring to loans, which are a type of financial instrument that allows individuals or businesses to borrow money from a lender. Loans are typically repaid with interest over a period of time, and can be secured or unsecured depending on the borrower's creditworthiness. Banks are one of the most common lenders of loans, and may offer them to customers in order to help them finance large purchases or investments.