[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10112]
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, 
Tuesday, September 8, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,548,700,311,164.48 (Five trillion, five hundred forty-eight billion, 
seven hundred million, three hundred eleven thousand, one hundred 
sixty-four dollars and forty-eight cents).
  One year ago, September 8, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,411,319,000,000 (Five trillion, four hundred eleven billion, three 
hundred nineteen million).
  Five years ago, September 8, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,391,317,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred ninety-one billion, 
three hundred seventeen million).
  Ten years ago, September 8, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,605,450,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred five billion, four 
hundred fifty million).
  Fifteen years ago, September 8, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,355,323,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred fifty-five billion, 
three hundred twenty-three million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,193,377,311,164.48 (Four trillion, one 
hundred ninety-three billion, three hundred seventy-seven million, 
three hundred eleven thousand, one hundred sixty-four dollars and 
forty-eight cents) during the past 15 years.

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