[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 28, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S11277]
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 27, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,427,907,147,573.22 (Five 
trillion, four hundred twenty-seven billion, nine hundred seven 
million, one hundred forty-seven thousand, five hundred seventy-three 
dollars and twenty-two cents).
  Five years ago, October 27, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,064,077,000,000 (Four trillion, sixty-four billion, seventy-seven 
million).
  Ten years ago, October 27, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,385,921,000,000 (Two trillion, three hundred eighty-five billion, 
nine hundred twenty-one million).
  Fifteen years ago, October 27, 1982, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,141,248,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred forty-one billion, two 
hundred forty-eight million).
  Twenty-five years ago, October 27, 1972, the Federal debt stood at 
$439,190,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-nine billion, one hundred ninety 
million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 trillion--
$4,988,717,147,573.22 (Four trillion, nine hundred eighty-eight 
billion, seven hundred seventeen million, one hundred forty-seven 
thousand, five hundred seventy-three dollars and twenty-two cents) 
during the past 25 years.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from West Virginia is recognized.
  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, what is the pending business before the 
Senate?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is in a period of morning business.
  Mr. BYRD. At the conclusion of the period for morning business, what 
would be the business before the Senate?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The regular order would be the laying down of 
S. 1173, the ISTEA-II bill.
  Mr. BYRD. The ISTEA bill?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.
  Mr. BYRD. The ISTEA bill. Mr. President, I have a feeling that the 
leader is probably not prepared to go back on that bill at the moment, 
so I will ask unanimous consent that I may proceed for such time as I 
may consume out of order.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Thomas). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

                          ____________________