[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 126 (Friday, September 19, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9725]
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, September 18, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,374,488,603,408.56. (Five trillion, three hundred seventy-four 
billion, four hundred eighty-eight million, six hundred three thousand, 
four hundred eight dollars and fifty-six cents)
  One year ago, September 18, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,193,857,000,000 (Five trillion, one hundred ninety-three billion, 
eight hundred fifty-seven million)
  Five years ago, September 18, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,036,814,000,000. (Four trillion, thirty-six billion, eight hundred 
fourteen million)
  Ten years ago, September 18, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,353,225,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred fifty-three billion, 
two hundred twenty-five million)
  Twenty-five years ago, September 18, 1972, the Federal debt stood at 
$436,926,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-six billion, nine hundred twenty-
six million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion--
$4,937,562,603,408.56 (Four trillion, nine hundred thirty-seven 
billion, five hundred sixty-two million, six hundred three thousand, 
four hundred eight dollars and fifty-six cents) during the past 25 
years.

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