[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 62 (Friday, May 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4939]
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, 
Thursday, May 14, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,492,886,169,970.40 
(Five trillion, four hundred ninety-two billion, eight hundred eighty-
six million, one hundred sixty-nine thousand, nine hundred seventy 
dollars and forty cents).
  One year ago, May 14, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,339,781,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred thirty-nine billion, 
seven hundred eighty-one million).
  Five years ago, May 14, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,247,909,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred forty-seven billion, 
nine hundred nine million).
  Twenty-five years ago, May 14, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$453,698,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-three billion, six hundred ninety-
eight million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 
trillion--$5,039,188,169,970.40 (Five trillion, thirty-nine billion, 
one hundred eighty-eight million, one hundred sixty-nine thousand, nine 
hundred seventy dollars and forty cents) during the past 25 years.

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