[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 36 (Thursday, March 26, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2657-S2658]
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 25, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,544,337,068,114.14 (Five trillion, five hundred forty-four billion, 
three hundred thirty-seven million, sixty-eight thousand, one hundred 
fourteen dollars and fourteen cents).
  One year ago, March 25, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,374,777,000,000

[[Page S2658]]

(Five trillion, three hundred seventy-four billion, seven hundred 
seventy-seven million).
  Five years ago, March 25, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,222,072,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred twenty-two billion, 
seventy-two million).
  Ten years ago, March 25, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,480,270,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred eighty billion, two 
hundred seventy million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 25, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,223,791,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred twenty-three billion, 
seven hundred ninety-one million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,320,546,068,114.14 (Four trillion, three 
hundred twenty billion, five hundred forty-six million, sixty-eight 
thousand, one hundred fourteen dollars and fourteen cents) during the 
past 15 years.

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