[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 147 (Thursday, October 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12658]
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 14, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,536,803,329,458.17 (Five trillion, five hundred thirty-six billion, 
eight hundred three million, three hundred twenty-nine thousand, four 
hundred fifty-eight dollars and seventeen cents).
  One year ago, October 14, 1997, the federal debt stood at 
$5,412,699,000,000 (Five trillion, four hundred twelve billion, six 
hundred ninety-nine million).
  Five years ago, October 14, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,407,560,000,000 (Four trillion, four hundred seven billion, five 
hundred sixty million).
  Ten years ago, October 14, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,616,812,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred sixteen billion, eight 
hundred twelve million).
  Fifteen years ago, October 14, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,383,483,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred eighty-three billion, 
four hundred eighty-three million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,153,320,329,458.17 (Four trillion, one 
hundred fifty-three billion, three hundred twenty million, three 
hundred twenty-nine thousand, four hundred fifty-eight dollars and 
seventeen cents) during the past 15 years.

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