[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 66 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5315-S5316]
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 20, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,502,138,799,604.60 (Five trillion, five hundred two billion, one 
hundred thirty-eight million, seven hundred ninety-nine thousand, six 
hundred four dollars and sixty cents).
  One year ago, May 20, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,346,368,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-six billion, 
three hundred sixty-eight million).
  Five years ago, May 20, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,287,296,000,000 (Four trillion, two hundred eighty-seven billion, 
two hundred ninety-six million).

[[Page S5316]]

  Ten years ago, May 20, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,523,014,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred twenty-three billion, 
fourteen million).
  Fifteen years ago, May 20, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,288,467,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred eighty-eight billion, 
four hundred sixty-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,213,671,799,604.60 (Four trillion, two 
hundred thirteen billion, six hundred seventy-one million, seven 
hundred ninety-nine thousand, six hundred four dollars and sixty cents) 
during the past 15 years.

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