[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4525]
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, May 6, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,485,513,178,742.02 
(Five trillion, four hundred eighty-five billion, five hundred thirteen 
million, one hundred seventy-eight thousand, seven hundred forty-two 
dollars and two cents).
  One year ago, May 6, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,337,029,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-seven billion, 
twenty-nine million).
  Five years ago, May 6, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,244,490,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred forty-four billion, four 
hundred ninety million).
  Ten years ago, May 6, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,517,049,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred seventeen billion, 
forty-nine million).
  Fifteen years ago, May 6, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,255,688,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred fifty-five billion, six 
hundred eighty-eight million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4,229,825,178,742.02 (Four trillion, two hundred 
twenty-nine billion, eight hundred twenty-five million, one hundred 
seventy-eight thousand, seven hundred forty-two dollars and two cents) 
during the past 15 years.

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