[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 132 (Monday, September 28, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11041]
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 Friday, September 
25, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,523,820,694,890.03 (Five 
trillion, five hundred twenty-three billion, eight hundred twenty 
million, six hundred ninety-four thousand, eight hundred ninety dollars 
and three cents).
  One year ago, September 25, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,387,704,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred eighty-seven billion, 
seven hundred four million).
  Twenty-five years ago, September 25, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$459,982,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-nine billion, nine hundred eighty-
two million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$5,063,838,694,890.03 (Five trillion, sixty-three billion, eight 
hundred thirty-eight million, six hundred ninety-four thousand, eight 
hundred ninety dollars and three cents) during the past 25 years.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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