[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9630-S9631]
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 17, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,394,894,064,595.35. (Five trillion, three hundred ninety-four 
billion, eight hundred ninety-four million, sixty-four thousand, five 
hundred ninety-five dollars and thirty-five cents)
  One year ago, September 17, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,190,808,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred ninety billion, eight 
hundred eight million)
  Five years ago, September 17, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,035,824,000,000. (Four trillion, thirty-five billion, eight hundred 
twenty-four million)
  Ten years ago, September 17, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,354,373,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, 
three hundred seventy-three million)
  Fifteen years ago, September 17, 1982, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,106,720,000,000. (One trillion, one hundred six billion, seven 
hundred twenty million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,288,174,064,595.35 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-
eight billion, one hundred seventy-four million, sixty-four thousand, 
five hundred ninety-five dollars and thirty-five cents) during the past 
15 years.

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