[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 113 (Tuesday, September 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9799-S9800]
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, August 31, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,564,553,479,478.04 (Five trillion, five hundred sixty-four billion, 
five hundred fifty-three million, four hundred seventy-nine thousand, 
four hundred seventy-eight dollars and four cents).
  Five years ago, August 31, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,403,247,000,000 (Four trillion, four hundred three billion, two 
hundred forty-seven million).
  Ten years ago, August 31, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,575,800,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred seventy-five billion, 
eight hundred million).
  Fifteen years ago, August 31, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,348,374,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred forty-eight billion, 
three hundred seventy-four million).
  Twenty-five years ago, August 31, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$461,845,000,000 (Four hundred sixty-one billion, eight hundred forty-
five million) which reflects a debt increase of

[[Page S9800]]

more than $5 trillion--$5,102,708,479,478.04 (Five trillion, one 
hundred two billion, seven hundred eight million, four hundred seventy-
nine thousand, four hundred seventy-eight dollars and four cents) 
during the past 25 years.

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