[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8775-S8776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent there now be a 
period for the transaction of routine morning business with Senators 
permitted to speak up to 10 minutes each.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                       THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE

  MR. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, 
Tuesday,

[[Page S8776]]

July 21, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,535,209,449,941.52 (Five 
trillion, five hundred thirty-five billion, two hundred nine million, 
four hundred forty-nine thousand, nine hundred forty-one dollars and 
fifty-two cents).
  One year ago, July 21, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,363,683,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred sixty-three billion, 
six hundred eighty-three million).
  Five years ago, July 21, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,336,609,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred thirty-six billion, 
six hundred nine million).
  Ten years ago, July 21, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,552,565,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred fifty-two billion, five 
hundred sixty-five million).
  Fifteen years ago, July 21, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,329,511,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred twenty-nine billion, 
five hundred eleven million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4,205,698,449,941.52 (Four trillion, two hundred 
five billion, six hundred ninety-eight million, four hundred forty-nine 
thousand, nine hundred forty-one dollars and fifty-two cents) during 
the past 15 years.

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