[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2211-S2212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE

  Mr. HELMS. Madam President, at the close of business yesterday, 
Tuesday, March 17, 1998, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,536,663,723,483.42 (Five trillion, five hundred thirty-six billion, 
six hundred sixty-three million, seven hundred twenty-three thousand, 
four hundred eighty-three dollars and forty-two cents).
  One year ago, March 17, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,363,307,000,000

[[Page S2212]]

(Five trillion, three hundred sixty-three billion, three hundred seven 
million).
  Five years ago, March 17, 1993, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,214,956,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred fourteen billion, nine 
hundred fifty-six million).
  Ten years ago, March 17, 1988, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,482,751,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred eighty-two billion, 
seven hundred fifty-one million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 17, 1983, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,227,720,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred twenty-seven billion, 
seven hundred twenty million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4, (Four trillion, three hundred and eight billion, 
nine hundred forty-three million, seven hundred twenty-three thousand, 
four hundred eighty-three dollars and twenty-four cents) during the 
past 15 years.

                          ____________________