[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 24, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2486-S2487]
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, 
March 23, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,539,832,909,123.38 (Five 
trillion, five hundred thirty-nine billion, eight hundred thirty-two 
million, nine hundred nine thousand, one hundred twenty-three dollars 
and thirty-eight cents).

[[Page S2487]]

  Five years ago, March 23, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,219,501,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred nineteen billion, five 
hundred one million).
  Ten years ago, March 23, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,481,367,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred eighty-one billion, 
three hundred sixty-seven million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 23, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,229,199,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred twenty-nine billion, one 
hundred ninety-nine million).
  Twenty-five years ago, March 23, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$457,287,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-seven billion, two hundred eighty-
seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 
trillion--$5,082,545,909,123.38 (Five trillion, eighty-two billion, 
five hundred forty-five million, nine hundred nine thousand, one 
hundred twenty-three dollars and thirty-eight cents) during the past 25 
years.

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