[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8821]
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, September 3, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,413,621,503,580.39--five trillion, four hundred thirteen billion, 
six hundred twenty-one million, five hundred three thousand, five 
hundred eighty dollars and thirty-nine cents.
  One year ago, September 3, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,226,657,000,000--five trillion, two hundred twenty-six billion, six 
hundred fifty-seven million.
  Five years ago, September 3, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,035,387,000,000--four trillion, thirty-five billion, three hundred 
eighty-seven million.
  Ten years ago, September 3, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,361,615,000,000--two trillion, three hundred sixty-one billion, six 
hundred fifteen million.
  Fifteen years ago, September 3, 1982, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,110,240,000,000--one trillion, one hundred ten billion, two hundred 
forty million--which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion, 
$4,303,381,503,580.39--four trillion, three hundred three billion, 
three hundred eighty-one million, five hundred three thousand, five 
hundred eighty dollars and thirty-nine cents) during the past 15 years.

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