[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9878]
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, 
Tuesday, September 23, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,382,650,076,978.81. (Five trillion, three hundred eighty-two 
billion, six hundred fifty million, seventy-six thousand, nine hundred 
seventy-eight dollars and eighty-one cents)
  One year ago, September 23, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,192,406,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred ninety-two billion, 
four hundred six million)
  Five years ago, September 23, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,042,399,000,000. (Four trillion, forty-two billion, three hundred 
ninety-nine million)
  Ten years ago, September 23, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,354,292,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, 
two hundred ninety-two million)
  Fifteen years ago, September 23, 1982, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,110,216,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ten billion, two hundred 
sixteen million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,272,434,076,978.81 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy-two 
billion, four hundred thirty-four million, seventy-six thousand, nine 
hundred seventy-eight dollars and eighty-one cents) during the past 15 
years.

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