[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 129 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10913]
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 23, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,517,883,379,683.46 (Five trillion, five hundred seventeen billion, 
eight hundred eighty-three million, three hundred seventy-nine 
thousand, six hundred eighty-three dollars and forty-six cents).
  One year ago, September 23, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,382,650,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred eighty-two billion, 
six hundred fifty million).
  Five years ago, September 23, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,380,953,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred eighty billion, nine 
hundred fifty-three million).
  Ten years ago, September 23, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,587,266,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred eighty-seven billion, 
two hundred sixty-six million).
  Fifteen years ago, September 23, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,354,045,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, 
forty-five million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,163,838,379,683.46 (Four trillion, one hundred sixty-three 
billion, eight hundred thirty-eight million, three hundred seventy-nine 
thousand, six hundred eighty-three dollars and forty-six cents) during 
the past 15 years.




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