[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 21 (Thursday, March 5, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1434-S1435]
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, March 4, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,529,409,747,928.18 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-nine billion, 
four hundred nine million, seven hundred forty-seven thousand, nine 
hundred twenty-eight dollars and eighteen cents).
  One year ago, March 4, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,363,583,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred sixty-three billion, 
five hundred eighty-three million).
  Five years ago, March 4, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,199,533,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred ninety-nine billion, 
five hundred thirty-three million).
  Ten years ago, March 4, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,491,607,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred ninety-one billion, six 
hundred seven million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 4, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,219,934,000,000

[[Page S1435]]

(One trillion, two hundred nineteen billion, nine hundred thirty-four 
million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--
$4,309,475,747,928.18 (Four trillion, three hundred nine billion, four 
hundred seventy-five million, seven hundred forty-seven thousand, nine 
hundred twenty-eight dollars and eighteen cents) during the past 15 
years.

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