[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 174 (Monday, November 6, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S16699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE BAD DEBT BOXSCORE

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, before discussing today's bad news about 
the Federal debt, how about ``another go,'' as the British put it, with 
our pop quiz. Remember? One question, one answer.
  The question: How many millions of dollars does it take to add up a 
trillion dollars? While you are thinking about it, bear in mind that it 
was the U.S. Congress that ran up the Federal debt that is $27 billion 
away from $5 trillion.
  To be exact, as of the close of business Friday, November 3, the 
total Federal debt--down to the penny--stood at $4,984,800,213,988.31. 
This figure is approximately $27 billion away from $5 trillion. Another 
depressing figure means that on a per capita basis, every man, woman, 
and child in America owes $18,922.39.
  Mr. President, back to our pop quiz, how many million in a trillion: 
There are a million million in a trillion.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Gorton). In my capacity as a Senator from 
the State of Washington, I ask unanimous consent that further 
proceedings under the quorum call be rescinded.
  Without objection, it is so ordered.

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