[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 30, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11180]
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 29, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,523,785,546,399.80 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-three 
billion, seven hundred eighty-five million, five hundred forty-six 
thousand, three hundred ninety-nine dollars and eighty cents).
  One year ago, September 29, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,388,316,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred eighty-eight billion, 
three hundred sixteen million).
  Five years ago, September 29, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,387,836,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred eighty-seven billion, 
eight hundred thirty-six million).
  Ten years ago, September 29, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,587,821,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred eighty-seven billion, 
eight hundred twenty-one million).
  Fifteen years ago, September 29, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,354,190,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred fifty-four billion, one 
hundred ninety million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,169,595,546,399.80 (Four trillion, one hundred sixty-nine 
billion, five hundred ninety-five million, five hundred forty-six 
thousand, three hundred ninety-nine dollars and eighty cents) during 
the past 15 years.

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