[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 139 (Wednesday, October 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11694]
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, October 6, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,536,217,307,823.51 (Five trillion, five hundred thirty-six billion, 
two hundred seventeen million, three hundred seven thousand, eight 
hundred twenty-three dollars and fifty-one cents).
  One year ago, October 6, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,413,433,000,000 (Five trillion, four hundred thirteen billion, four 
hundred thirty-three million).
  Five years ago, October 6, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,404,063,000,000 (Four trillion, four hundred four billion, sixty-
three million).
  Ten years ago, October 6, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,622,288,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred twenty-two billion, two 
hundred eighty-eight million).
  Fifteen years ago, October 6, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,385,380,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred eighty-five billion, 
three hundred eighty million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4,150,837,307,823.51 (Four trillion, one hundred 
fifty billion, eight hundred thirty-seven million, three hundred seven 
thousand, eight hundred twenty-three dollars and fifty-one cents) 
during the past 15 years.

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