[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12570]
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 13, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,537,720,928,486.41 (Five trillion, five hundred thirty-seven 
billion, seven hundred twenty million, nine hundred twenty-eight 
thousand, four hundred eighty-six dollars and forty-one cents).
  Five years ago, October 13, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,403,485,000,000 (Four trillion, four hundred three billion, four 
hundred eighty-five million).
  Ten years ago, October 13, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,616,702,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred sixteen billion, seven 
hundred two million).
  Fifteen years ago, October 13, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,383,620,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred eighty-three billion, 
six hundred twenty million) which reflects a debt increase of more than 
$4 trillion--$4,154,100,928,486.41 (Four trillion, one hundred fifty-
four billion, one hundred million, nine hundred twenty-eight thousand, 
four hundred eighty-six dollars and forty-one cents) during the past 25 
years.

                          ____________________