[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 65 (Friday, May 16, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4657]
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 15, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,344,063,176,240.27. (Five trillion, three hundred forty-four 
billion, sixty-three million, one hundred seventy-six thousand, two 
hundred forty dollars and twenty-seven cents)
  One year ago, May 15, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,115,694,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fifteen billion, six 
hundred ninety-four million)
  Five years ago, May 15, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$3,918,654,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred eighteen billion, six 
hundred fifty-four million)
  Ten years ago, May 15, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,290,946,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety billion, nine 
hundred forty-six million)
  Twenty-five years ago, May 15, 1972, the Federal debt stood at 
$427,283,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-seven billion, two hundred 
eighty-three million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 
trillion--$4,916,780,176,240.27 (Four trillion, nine hundred sixteen 
billion, seven hundred eighty million, one hundred seventy-six 
thousand, two hundred forty dollars and twenty-seven cents) during the 
past 25 years.

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