[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5128]
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, Monday, 
May 18, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,497,225,027,113.83 (Five 
trillion, four hundred ninety-seven billion, two hundred twenty-five 
million, twenty-seven thousand, one hundred thirteen dollars and 
eighty-three cents).
  Five years ago, May 18, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,284,320,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-four billion, 
three hundred twenty million).
  Ten years ago, May 18, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,523,270,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred twenty-three billion, 
two hundred seventy million).
  Fifteen years ago, May 18, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,268,788,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred sixty-eight billion, 
seven hundred eighty-eight million).
  Twenty-five years ago, May 18, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$453,126,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-three billion, one hundred twenty-
six million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$5,044,099,027,113.83 (Five trillion, forty-four billion, ninety-nine 
million, twenty-seven thousand, one hundred thirteen dollars and 
eighty-three cents) during the past 25 years.




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