[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S8239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             DESERT CHORALE

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a Las Vegas 
institution. No, I am not referring to the ``Strip'' and the neon 
lights, but to a cultural organization that has provided Las Vegans 
many years of enjoyment, the Desert Chorale. I have had the pleasure of 
listening to their incredible range of talent for the past 16 years. 
This spectacular choir made up of volunteers has provided Nevada music 
lovers countless hours of enjoyment. While Las Vegas and Southern 
Nevada may be known for big head-liners like Siegfried and Roy, 
Liberace and Elvis, I can personally attest that thousands of Nevadans 
have flocked the Desert Chorale's concerts over the years. From the 
patriotic to the spiritually uplifting, the sheer beauty of the music 
they make touches and inspires their audiences.
  Now, this great choir from the Silver State will be sharing their 
talent with a slice of the world audience. The Desert Chorale has been 
recognized for their musical achievements and have been invited to 
participate in the Boris Brott Music Festival in Canada. The festival 
is entering into it's twelfth year and their contributions to Canada's 
and the world's cultural scene has been highly praised. Not only does 
the choir have the honor of being invited to this festival, but they 
were also chosen as the first musical organization of its kind to 
represent the Western United States. I stand here on behalf of the 
great state of Nevada, as that state's senior senator, and the United 
States of America, to congratulate the Desert Chorale on taking part in 
this prestigious tradition. The Desert Chorale will be an excellent 
addition to the festival. I am confident from the previous performances 
I have attended, that they will do a superb job in representing the 
great heritage of both the state of Nevada and the United States of 
America.


                       THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, 
Tuesday, July 15, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,530,848,048,686.17 
(Five trillion, five hundred thirty billion, eight hundred forty-eight 
million, forty-eight thousand, six hundred eighty-six dollars and 
seventeen cents).
  One year ago, July 15, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,355,394,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred fifty-five billion, 
three hundred ninety-four million).
  Five years ago, July 15, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,336,912,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred thirty-six billion, 
nine hundred twelve million).
  Ten years ago, July 15, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,550,628,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred fifty billion, six 
hundred twenty-eight million).
  Fifteen years ago, July 15, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,330,290,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred thirty billion, two 
hundred ninety million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,200,558,048,686.17 (Four trillion, two hundred billion, 
five hundred fifty-eight million, forty-eight thousand, six hundred 
eighty-six dollars and seventeen cents) during the past 15 years.

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