[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S1054]
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 25, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,524,032,303,574.34 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-four billion, 
thirty-two million, three hundred three thousand, five hundred seventy-
four dollars and thirty-four cents).
  One year ago, February 25, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,342,930,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-two billion, 
nine hundred thirty million).
  Five years ago, February 25, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,199,328,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred ninety-nine billion, 
three hundred twenty-eight million).
  Ten years ago, February 25, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,473,169,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred seventy-three billion, 
one hundred sixty-nine million).
  Fifteen years ago, February 25, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,211,806,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred eleven billion, eight 
hundred six million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,312,226,303,574.34 (Four trillion, three hundred twelve 
billion, two hundred twenty-six million, three hundred three thousand, 
five hundred seventy-four dollars and thirty-four cents) during the 
past 15 years.

                          ____________________