[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4668]
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 Friday, May 16, 
1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,343,648,869,296.26. (Five trillion, 
three hundred forty-three billion, six hundred forty-eight million, 
eight hundred sixty-nine thousand, two hundred ninety-six dollars, and 
twenty-six cents)
  One year ago, May 1996, the Federal debt stood at $5,113,663,000,000. 
(Five trillion, one hundred thirteen billion, six hundred sixty-three 
million)
  Twenty-five years ago, May 1972, the Federal debt stood at 
$427,214,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-seven billion, two hundred 
fourteen million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 
trillion--$4,916,434,869,296.26 (Four trillion, nine hundred sixteen 
billion, four hundred thirty-four million, eight hundred sixty-nine 
thousand, two hundred ninety-six dollars, and twenty-six cents) during 
the past 25 years.

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