[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17547]
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 quiz.
  The question: How many millions of dollars in a trillion? While you 
are thinking about it, bear in mind that it was the U.S. Congress that 
ran up the enormous Federal debt that is now about $12 billion shy of 
$5 trillion.
  To be exact, as of the close of business yesterday, November 27, the 
total Federal debt--down to the penny--stood at $4,988,885,320,472.65. 
Another depressing figure means that on a per capita basis, every man, 
woman, and child in America owes $18,937.89.
  Mr. President, back to our quiz--how many million in a trillion? 
There are a million million in a trillion, which means that the Federal 
Government will shortly owe $5 million million.
  Now, who is in favor of balancing the Federal budget?
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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