[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11275]
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 30, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,526,193,008,897.62 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-six billion, 
one hundred ninety-three million, eight thousand, eight hundred ninety-
seven dollars and sixty-two cents).
  One year ago, September 30, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,413,146,000,000 (Five trillion, four hundred thirteen billion, one 
hundred forty-six million).
  Five years ago, September 30, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,411,488,000,000 (Four trillion, four hundred eleven billion, four 
hundred eighty-eight million).
  Ten years ago, September 30, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,602,338,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred two billion, three 
hundred thirty-eight million).
  Fifteen years ago, September 30, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,377,210,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred seventy-seven billion, 
two hundred ten million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,148,983,008,897.62 (Four trillion, one hundred forty-eight 
billion, nine hundred eighty-three million, eight thousand, eight 
hundred ninety-seven dollars and sixty-two cents) during the past 15 
years.

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