[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 60 (Friday, May 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4272]
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, 
Thursday, May 8, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,330,417,059,281.37. 
(Five trillion, three hundred thirty billion, four hundred seventeen 
million, fifty-nine thousand, two hundred eighty-one dollars and 
thirty-seven cents)
  One year ago, May 8, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,094,597,000,000. (Five trillion, ninety-four billion, five hundred 
ninety-seven million)
  Five years ago, May 8, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$3,881,282,000,000. (Three trillion, eight hundred eighty-one billion, 
two hundred eighty-two million)
  Ten years ago, May 8, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,270,169,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred seventy billion, one 
hundred sixty-nine million)
  Twenty-five years ago, May 8, 1972, the Federal debt stood at 
$426,287,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-six billion, two hundred eighty-
seven million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion--
$4,904,130,059,281.37 (Four trillion, nine hundred four billion, one 
hundred thirty million, fifty-nine thousand, two hundred eighty-one 
dollars and thirty-seven cents) during the past 25 years.
  Mr. BYRD addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from West Virginia.
  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed for not 
to exceed 20 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. BYRD. I thank the Chair.

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