[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10419]
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 15, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,511,724,391,342.63 (Five trillion, five hundred eleven billion, 
seven hundred twenty-four million, three hundred ninety-one thousand, 
three hundred forty-two dollars and sixty-three cents).
  One year ago, September 15, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,375,122,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred seventy-five billion, 
one hundred twenty-two million).
  Five years ago, September 15, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,388,003,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred eighty-eight billion, 
three million).
  Ten years ago, September 15, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,598,251,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred ninety-eight billion, 
two hundred fifty-one million).
  Fifteen years ago, September 15, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,354,786,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, 
seven hundred eighty-six million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,156,938,391,342.63 (Four trillion, one 
hundred fifty-six billion, nine hundred thirty-eight million, three 
hundred ninety-one thousand, three hundred forty-two dollars and sixty-
three cents) during the past 15 years.

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