[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10716]
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 21, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,510,750,292,549.80 
(Five trillion, five hundred ten billion, seven hundred fifty million, 
two hundred ninety-two thousand, five hundred forty-nine dollars and 
eighty cents).
  Five years ago, September 21, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,392,902,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred ninety-two billion, 
nine hundred two million).
  Ten years ago, September 21, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,596,653,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred ninety-six billion, six 
hundred fifty-three million).
  Fifteen years ago, September 21, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,354,377,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, 
three hundred seventy-seven million).
  Twenty-five years ago, September 21, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$459,603,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-nine billion, six hundred three 
million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$5,051,147,292,549.80 (Five trillion, fifty-one billion, one hundred 
forty-seven million, two hundred ninety-two thousand, five hundred 
forty-nine dollars and eighty cents) during the past 25 years.

                          ____________________