[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2848]
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 30, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,545,895,416,499.33 (Five 
trillion, five hundred forty-five billion, eight hundred ninety-five 
million, four hundred sixteen thousand, four hundred ninety-nine 
dollars and thirty-three cents).
  Five years ago, March 30, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,225,653,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred twenty-five billion, six 
hundred fifty-three million).
  Ten years ago, March 30, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,487,434,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred eighty-seven billion, 
four hundred thirty-four million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 30, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,235,145,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred thirty-five billion, one 
hundred forty-five million) which reflects a debt increase of more than 
$4 trillion--$4,310,750,416,499.33 (Four trillion, three hundred ten 
billion, seven hundred fifty million, four hundred sixteen thousand, 
four hundred ninety-nine dollars and thirty-three cents) during the 
past 15 years.

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