[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 61 (Monday, April 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5029]
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 3 years I have made 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--it hasn't yet. 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 Friday, March 31, the exact Federal debt 
stood at $4,864,115,841,256.92, meaning that on a per capita basis, 
every man, woman, and child in America owes $18,464.61 as his or her 
share of the Federal debt.
  It's important to note, Mr. President, that the United States had an 
opportunity to begin controlling the Federal debt by implementing a 
balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Unfortunately, the 
Senate did not seize their first opportunity to control this debt--but 
rest assured they will have another chance during the 104th Congress.
  If the Senate does 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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