[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S661]
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, February 10, 1998, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,471,889,906,215.21 (Five trillion, four hundred seventy-one billion, 
eight hundred eighty-nine million, nine hundred six thousand, two 
hundred fifteen dollars and twenty-one cents).
  One year ago, February 10, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,302,292,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred two billion, two 
hundred ninety-two million).
  Five years ago, February 10, 1993, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,172,770,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-two billion, 
seven hundred seventy million).
  Ten years ago, February 10, 1988, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,452,575,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred fifty-two billion, five 
hundred seventy-five million).
  Fifteen years ago, February 10, 1983, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,194,868,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-four billion, 
eight hundred sixty-eight million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,277,021,906,215.21 (Four trillion, two 
hundred seventy-seven billion, twenty-one million, nine hundred six 
thousand, two hundred fifteen dollars and twenty-one cents) during the 
past 15 years.

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