[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 119 (Thursday, September 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10202-S10203]
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, 
Wednesday, September 9, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,548,476,705,773.12 (Five trillion, five hundred forty-eight billion, 
four hundred seventy-six million, seven hundred five thousand, seven 
hundred seventy-three dollars and twelve cents).
  One year ago, September 9, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,408,443,000,000 (Five trillion, four hundred eight billion, four 
hundred forty-three million).
  Five years ago, September 9, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,389,196,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred eighty-nine billion, 
one hundred ninety-six million).
  Ten years ago, September 9, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,600,050,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred billion, fifty million).

[[Page S10203]]

  Fifteen years ago, September 9, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,354,932,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, 
nine hundred thirty-two million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4,193,544,705,773.12 (Four trillion, one hundred 
ninety-three billion, five hundred forty-four million, seven hundred 
five thousand, seven hundred seventy-three dollars and twelve cents) 
during the past 15 years.

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