[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4777]
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 12, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,491,841,497,777.68 
(Five trillion, four hundred ninety-one billion, eight hundred forty-
one million, four hundred ninety-seven thousand, seven hundred seventy-
seven dollars and sixty-eight cents).
  One year ago, May 12, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,334,445,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-four billion, 
four hundred forty-five million).
  Five years ago, May 12, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,245,570,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred forty-five billion, five 
hundred seventy million).
  Ten years ago, May 12, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,510,382,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred ten billion, three 
hundred eighty-two million).
  Fifteen years ago, May 12, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,258,875,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred fifty-eight billion, 
eight hundred seventy-five million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,232,966,497,777.68 (Four trillion, two 
hundred thirty-two billion, nine hundred sixty-six million, four 
hundred ninety-seven thousand, seven hundred seventy-seven dollars and 
sixty-eight cents) during the past 15 years.
  Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I believe that I have reserved 15 
minutes, up to 2 o'clock, to speak. I ask unanimous consent that I be 
able to use this 20 minutes, up to 2, to speak as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, there are two topics that I would like 
to cover. I have been trying to get to the floor for 2 days. I will not 
give either one of them the justice they deserve, but I shall do my 
best.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is recognized.

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