[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S867]
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, 
February 23, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,519,492,792,898.57 
(Five trillion, five hundred nineteen billion, four hundred ninety-two 
million, seven hundred ninety-two thousand, eight hundred ninety-eight 
dollars and fifty-seven cents).
  Five years ago, February 23, 1993, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,195,090,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred ninety-five billion, 
ninety million).
  Ten years ago, February 23, 1988, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,472,592,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred seventy-two billion, 
five hundred ninety-two million).
  Fifteen years ago, February 23, 1983, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,207,534,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred seven billion, five 
hundred thirty-four million).
  Twenty-five years ago, February 23, 1973, the Federal debt stood at 
$452,993,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-two billion, nine hundred ninety-
three million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 
trillion--$5,066,499,792,898.57 (Five trillion, sixty-six billion, four 
hundred ninety-nine million, seven hundred ninety-two thousand, eight 
hundred ninety-eight dollars and fifty-seven cents) during the past 25 
years.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Smith of New Hampshire). The clerk will 
call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Smith of New Hampshire). Without 
objection, it is so ordered.

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