[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 55 (Wednesday, May 6, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4433]
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, May 5, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,486,129,027,438.95 
(Five trillion, four hundred eighty-six billion, one hundred twenty-
nine million, twenty-seven thousand, four hundred thirty-eight dollars 
and ninety-five cents).
  One year ago, May 5, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,332,472,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-two billion, 
four hundred seventy-two million).
  Five years ago, May 5, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,243,813,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred forty-three billion, 
eight hundred thirteen million).
  Ten years ago, May 5, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,516,506,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred sixteen billion, five 
hundred six million).
  Fifteen years ago, May 5, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,255,471,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred fifty-five billion, four 
hundred seventy-one million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4,230,658,027,438.95 (Four trillion, two hundred 
thirty billion, six hundred fifty-eight million, twenty-seven thousand, 
four hundred thirty-eight dollars and ninety-five cents) during the 
past 15 years.

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