[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4876]
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, May 20, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,346,367,814,885.12. 
(Five trillion, three hundred forty-six billion, three hundred sixty-
seven million, eight hundred fourteen thousand, eight hundred eighty-
five dollars and twelve cents)
  One year ago, May 20, 1996, the federal debt stood at 
$5,114,233,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fourteen billion, two 
hundred thirty-three million)
  Five years ago, May 20, 1992, the federal debt stood at 
$3,921,030,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred twenty-one billion, 
thirty million)
  Ten years ago, May 20, 1987, the federal debt stood at 
$2,291,944,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred ninety-one billion, nine 
hundred forty-four million)
  Fifteen years ago, May 20, 1982, the federal debt stood at 
$1,068,510,000,000 (One trillion, sixty-eight billion, five hundred ten 
million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--
$4,277,857,814,885.12 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy-seven 
billion, eight hundred fifty-seven million, eight hundred fourteen 
thousand, eight hundred eighty-five dollars and twelve cents) during 
the past 15 years.

                          ____________________