[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 8, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9972]
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 Friday, September 
4, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,547,400,016,580.17 (Five 
trillion, five hundred forty-seven billion, four hundred million, 
sixteen thousand, five hundred eighty dollars and seventeen cents).
  One year ago, September 4, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,413,849,000,000 (Five trillion, four hundred thirteen billion, eight 
hundred forty-nine million).
  Twenty-five years ago, September 4, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$458,627,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-eight billion, six hundred twenty-
seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 
trillion--$5,088,773,016,580.17 (Five trillion, eighty-eight billion, 
seven hundred seventy-three million, sixteen thousand, five hundred 
eighty dollars and seventeen cents) during the past 25 years.

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