[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 44 (Thursday, March 9, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S3695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         WAS CONGRESS IRRESPONSIBLE? THE VOTERS HAVE SAID YES!

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, for about 3 years I have been making daily 
reports to the Senate regarding the exact Federal debt as of the 
previous day.
  We must pray that this year, Federal spending will begin to be 
reduced. Indeed, if we care about America's future, Congress must face 
up to its responsibility to balance the Federal budget.
  As of the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, March 8, the 
Federal debt stood (down to the penny) at $4,848,281,758,236.20, 
meaning that on a per capita basis, every man, woman, and child in 
America owes $18,404.16 as his or her share of the Federal debt.
  It's important to note, Mr. President, that total Federal debt a 
little over 2 years ago (January 5, 1993) stood at 
$4,167,872,986,583.67--or averaged out, $15,986.56 for every American. 
During the past 2 years (that is, during the 103d Congress) the Federal 
debt has escalated by more than $6 billion, which illustrates the point 
that so many politicians talk a good game at home about bringing the 
Federal debt under control, but vote in support of bloated spending 
bills when they get back to Washington.
  If the Republicans do not concentrate on getting a handle on this 
enormous debt, their constituents are not likely to overlook it 2 years 
hence.


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