[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S10881]
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, Monday, 
October 20, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,418,457,770,302.08. 
(Five trillion, four hundred eighteen billion, four hundred fifty-seven 
million, seven hundred seventy thousand, three hundred two dollars and 
eight cents)
  Five years ago, October 20, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,059,070,000,000. (Four trillion, fifty-nine billion, seventy 
million)
  Ten years ago, October 20, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,384,494,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred eighty-four billion, 
four hundred ninety-four million)
  Fifteen years ago, October 20, 1982, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,137,638,000,000. (One trillion, one hundred thirty-seven billion, 
six hundred thirty-eight million)
  Twenty-five years ago, October 20, 1972, the Federal debt stood at 
$438,262,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-eight billion, two hundred sixty-
two million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$4,980,195,770,302.08 (Four trillion, nine hundred eighty billion, one 
hundred ninety-five million, seven hundred seventy thousand, three 
hundred two dollars and eight cents) during the past 25 years.

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