[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9967]
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 24, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,384,224,726,974.01. (Five trillion, three hundred eighty-four 
billion, two hundred twenty-four million, seven hundred twenty-six 
thousand, nine hundred seventy-four dollars and one cent)
  One year ago, September 24, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,195,855,000,000. (Five trillion, one hundred ninety-five billion, 
eight hundred fifty-five million)
  Five years ago, September 24, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,043,587,000,000. (Four trillion, forty-three billion, five hundred 
eighty-seven million)
  Ten years ago, September 24, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,336,418,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred thirty-six billion, 
four hundred eighteen million)
  Fifteen years ago, September 24, 1982, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,110,360,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ten billion, three 
hundred sixty million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,273,864,726,974.01 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy-
three billion, eight hundred sixty-four million, seven hundred twenty-
six thousand, nine hundred seventy-four dollars and one cent) during 
the past 15 years.

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