[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11964]
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, October 7, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,533,657,715,092.27 (Five trillion, five hundred thirty-three 
billion, six hundred fifty-seven million, seven hundred fifteen 
thousand, ninety-two dollars and twenty-seven cents).
  One year ago, October 7, 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 7, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,399,633,000,000 (Four trillion, three hundred ninety-nine billion, 
six hundred thirty-three million).
  Ten years ago, October 7, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,617,036,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred seventeen billion, 
thirty-six million).
  Fifteen years ago, October 7, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,384,688,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred eighty-four billion, 
six hundred eighty-eight million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,148,969,715,092.27 (Four trillion, one 
hundred forty-eight billion, nine hundred sixty-nine million, seven 
hundred fifteen thousand, ninety-two dollars and twenty-seven cents) 
during the past 15 years.

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