[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10379]
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, 
September 14, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,548,258,444,676.13 
(Five trillion, five hundred forty-eight billion, two hundred fifty-
eight million, four hundred forty-four thousand, six hundred seventy-
six dollars and thirteen cents).
  Five years ago, September 14, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,387,136,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred eighty-seven billion, 
one hundred thirty-six million).
  Ten years ago, September 14, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,597,643,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred ninety-seven billion, 
six hundred forty-three million).
  Fifteen years ago, September 14, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,354,836,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, 
eight hundred thirty-six million).
  Twenty-five years ago, September 14, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$461,118,000,000 (Four hundred sixty-one billion, one hundred eighteen 
million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$5,087,140,444,676.13 (Five trillion, eighty-seven billion, one hundred 
forty million, four hundred forty-four thousand, six hundred seventy-
six dollars and thirteen cents) during the past 25 years.

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