[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 23, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10834]
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 22, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,515,818,621,727.95 (Five trillion, five hundred fifteen billion, 
eight hundred eighteen million, six hundred twenty-one thousand, seven 
hundred twenty-seven dollars and ninety-five cents).
  One year ago, September 22, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,378,804,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred seventy-eight billion, 
eight hundred four million).
  Five years ago, September 22, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,395,748,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred ninety-five billion, 
seven hundred forty-eight million).
  Ten years ago, September 22, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,587,230,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred eighty-seven billion, 
two hundred thirty million).
  Fifteen years ago, September 22, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,354,474,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, 
four hundred seventy-four million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,161,344,621,727.95 (Four trillion, one 
hundred sixty-one billion, three hundred forty-four million, six 
hundred twenty-one thousand, seven hundred twenty-seven dollars and 
ninety-five cents) during the past 15 years.

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