[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 138 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11580]
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, Monday, 
October 5, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,527,218,225,445.49 (Five 
trillion, five hundred twenty-seven billion, two hundred eighteen 
million, two hundred twenty-five thousand, four hundred forty-five 
dollars and forty-nine cents).
  Five years ago, October 5, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,407,913,000,000 (Four trillion, four hundred seven billion, nine 
hundred thirteen million).
  Ten years ago, October 5, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,621,612,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred twenty-one billion, six 
hundred twelve million).
  Fifteen years ago, October 5, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,385,519,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred eighty-five billion, 
five hundred nineteen million).
  Twenty-five years ago, October 5, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$458,006,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-eight billion, six million) which 
reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$5,069,212,225,445.49 (Five trillion, sixty-nine billion, two hundred 
twelve million, two hundred twenty-five thousand, four hundred forty-
five dollars and forty-nine cents) during the past 25 years.

                          ____________________