[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, Senators may be intrigued to learn that 
during the 74 days Congress was in recess, the federal debt increased 
by more than $57 billion.
  To be exact, the increase (from November 13, 1997 to January 26, 
1998) totaled $57,033,087,681.31 (Fifty-seven billion, thirty-three 
million, eighty-seven thousand, six hundred eighty-one dollars and 
thirty-one cents).
  This increase is a blunt reminder that even when Congress takes a 
break, the federal debt does not. The federal debt will continue to 
soar unless and until Congress changes the status quo. Presently, each 
citizen's share of the national debt is $20,424.89.
  Mr. President, with this in mind, let me begin where we left off:
  At the close of business yesterday, Monday, January 26, 1998, the 
federal debt stood at $5,487,280,357,810.54 (Five trillion, four 
hundred eighty-seven billion, two hundred eighty million, three hundred 
fifty-seven thousand, eight hundred ten dollars and fifty-four cents).
  Five years ago, January 26, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,171,138,000,000 (four trillion, one hundred seventy-one billion, one 
hundred thirty-eight million).
  Ten years ago, January 26, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$2,448,079,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred forty-eight billion, 
seventy-nine million).
  Fifteen years ago, January 26, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,196,856,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-six billion, eight 
hundred fifty-six million).
  Twenty-five years ago, January 26, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$449,476,000,000 (Four hundred forty-nine billion, four hundred 
seventy-six million) which reflects a debt increase of over $5 
trillion--$5,037,804,357,810.54 (Five trillion, thirty-seven billion, 
eight hundred four million, three hundred fifty-seven thousand, eight 
hundred ten dollars and fifty-four cents) during the past 25 years.
  Mr. DORGAN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Coats). The Senator from North Dakota.
  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, we are in morning business and allowed to 
speak for 10 minutes; is that correct?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.

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