[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 31 (Thursday, March 19, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2293]
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 18, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,537,178,813,514.71 (Five trillion, five hundred thirty-seven 
billion, one hundred seventy-eight million, eight hundred thirteen 
thousand, five hundred fourteen dollars and seventy-one cents).
  One year ago, March 18, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,367,674,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred sixty-seven billion, 
six hundred seventy-four million).
  Five years ago, March 18, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,215,542,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred fifteen billion, five 
hundred forty-two million).
  Ten years ago, March 18, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,481,414,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred eighty-one billion, four 
hundred fourteen million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 18, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,227,793,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred twenty-seven billion, 
seven hundred ninety-three million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,303,380,813,514.71 (Four trillion, three 
hundred and three billion, three hundred eighty million, eight hundred 
thirteen thousand, five hundred fourteen dollars and seventy-one cents) 
during the past 25 years.




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