[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5000]
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, 
Wednesday, May 21, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,348,057,972,766.87. (Five trillion, three hundred forty-eight 
billion, fifty-seven million, nine hundred seventy-two thousand, seven 
hundred sixty-six dollars and eighty-seven cents)
  One year ago, May 21, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,115,827,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred fifteen billion, eight 
hundred twenty-seven million)
  Five years ago, May 21, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$3,923,950,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred twenty-three billion, 
nine hundred fifty million)
  Ten years ago, May 21, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,289,948,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred eighty-nine billion, 
nine hundred forty-eight million)
  Fifteen years ago, May 21, 1982, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,068,477,000,000 (One trillion, sixty-eight billion, four hundred 
seventy-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,279,580,972,766.87 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy-
nine billion, five hundred eighty million, nine hundred seventy-two 
thousand, seven hundred sixty-six dollars and eighty-seven cents) 
during the past 15 years.

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