[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, 
Tuesday, April 29, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,348,144,848,321.78. (Five trillion, three hundred forty-eight 
billion, one hundred forty-four million, eight hundred forty-eight 
thousand, three hundred twenty-one dollars and seventy-eight cents)
  Five years ago, April 29, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$3,887,187,000,000. (Three trillion, eight hundred eighty-seven 
billion, one hundred eighty-seven million)
  Ten years ago, April 29, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,266,610,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred sixty-six billion, six 
hundred ten million)
  Fifteen years ago, April 29, 1972, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,063,005,000,000. (One trillion, sixty-three billion, five million) 
which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--
$4,285,139,848,321.78 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-five billion, 
one hundred thirty-nine million, eight hundred forty-eight thousand, 
three hundred twenty-one dollars and seventy-eight cents) during the 
past 15 years.
  Mr. COVERDELL addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Collins). The Senator from Georgia is 
recognized.
  Mr. COVERDELL. Madam President, if I might inquire as to the matter 
of business before the Senate?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is in a period for the transaction 
of morning business at this time.
  Mr. COVERDELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that we 
dispense with the period of morning business and return to S. 543.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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