[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5215]
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 19, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,501,436,319,981.88 
(Five trillion, five hundred one billion, four hundred thirty-six 
million, three hundred nineteen thousand, nine hundred eighty-one 
dollars and eighty-eight cents).
  One year ago, May 19, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,344,451,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-four billion, 
four hundred fifty-one million).
  Five years ago, May 19, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,285,943,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-five billion, 
nine hundred forty-three million).
  Ten years ago, May 19, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,523,047,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred twenty-three billion, 
forty-seven million).
  Fifteen years ago, May 19, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,265,692,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred sixty-five billion, six 
hundred ninety-two million) which reflects a debt increase of more than 
$4 trillion--$4,235,744,319,981.88 (Four trillion, two hundred thirty-
five billion, seven hundred forty-four million, three hundred nineteen 
thousand, nine hundred eighty-one dollars and eighty-eight cents) 
during the past 15 years.

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