[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 70 (Monday, May 1, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5870]
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, more than 3 years ago I began making daily 
reports to the Senate making a matter of record the exact Federal debt 
as of the close of business the previous day.
  As of the close of business Friday, April 28, the exact Federal debt 
stood at $4,852,327,350,096.60, meaning that on a per capita basis, 
every man, woman, and child in America owes $18,419.52 as his or her 
share of the Federal debt.
  It is 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 Senators do not concentrate on getting a handle on this enormous 
debt, the voters are not likely to overlook it next year.


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