[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 70 (Friday, May 23, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5101]
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 22, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,344,819,275,286.24. (Five trillion, three hundred forty-four 
billion, eight hundred nineteen million, two hundred seventy-five 
thousand, seven hundred eighty-six dollars and twenty-four cents)
  One year ago, May 22, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,117,440,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred seventeen billion, four 
hundred forty million)
  Five years ago, May 22, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$3,926,208,000,000. (Three trillion, nine hundred twenty-six billion, 
two hundred eight million)
  Ten years ago, May 22, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,289,817,000,000. (Two trillion, two hundred eighty-nine billion, 
eight hundred seventeen million)
  Twenty-five years ago, May 22, 1972, the Federal debt stood at 
$428,608,000,000 (Four hundred twenty-eight billion, six hundred eight 
million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion--
$4,916,211,275,286.24 (Four trillion, nine hundred sixteen billion, two 
hundred eleven million, two hundred seventy-five thousand, two hundred 
eighty-six dollars and twenty-four cents) during the past 25 years.

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