[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 120 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10259-S10260]
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, 
Thursday, September 10, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,545,657,954,586.91 (Five trillion, five hundred forty-five billion, 
six hundred fifty-seven million, nine hundred fifty-four thousand, five 
hundred eighty-six dollars and ninety-one cents).
  One year ago, September 10, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,410,105,000,000 (Five trillion, four hundred ten billion, one 
hundred five million).
  Five years ago, September 10, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,384,113,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred eight-four billion, 
one hundred thirteen million).
  Twenty-five years ago, September 10, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$459,532,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-nine billion, five hundred thirty-
two million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$5,545,657,954,586.91 (Five trillion, five

[[Page S10260]]

hundred forty-five billion, six hundred fifty-seven million, nine 
hundred fifty-four thousand, five hundred eighty-six dollars and 
ninety-one cents) during the past 25 years.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I yield myself 25 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Massachusetts.

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