[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3457-S3458]
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, 
Tuesday, April 21, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,518,978,332,463.05 (Five trillion, five hundred eighteen billion, 
nine hundred seventy-eight million, three hundred thirty-two thousand, 
four hundred sixty-three dollars and five cents).
  One year ago, April 21, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,352,734,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-two billion, 
seven hundred thirty-four million).
  Five years ago, April 21, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,257,526,000,000

[[Page S3458]]

(Four trillion, two hundred fifty-seven billion, five hundred twenty-
six million).
  Ten years ago, April 21, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,499,121,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred ninety-nine billion, one 
hundred twenty-one million).
  Fifteen years ago, April 21, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,243,863,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred forty-three billion, 
eight hundred sixty-three million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,275,115,332,463.05 (Four trillion, two 
hundred seventy-five billion, one hundred fifteen million, three 
hundred thirty-two thousand, four hundred sixty-three dollars and five 
cents) during the past 15 years.

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