[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 150 (Tuesday, October 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12731]
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 19, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,541,765,173,290.62 (Five trillion, five hundred forty-one billion, 
seven hundred sixty-five million, one hundred seventy-three thousand, 
two hundred ninety dollars and sixty-two cents).
  Five years ago, October 19, 1993, the federal debt stood at 
$4,403,899,000,000 (Four trillion, four hundred three billion, eight 
hundred ninety-nine million).
  Ten years ago, October 19, 1988, the federal debt stood at 
$2,620,577,000,000 (Two trillion, six hundred twenty billion, five 
hundred seventy-seven million).
  Fifteen years ago, October 19, 1983, the federal debt stood at 
$1,382,541,000,000 (One trillion, three hundred eighty-two billion, 
five hundred forty-one million).
  Twenty-five years ago, October 19, 1973, the federal debt stood at 
$461,462,000,000 (Four hundred sixty-one billion, four hundred sixty-
two million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$5,080,303,173,290.62 (Five trillion, eighty billion, three hundred 
three million, one hundred seventy-three thousand, two hundred ninety 
dollars and sixty-two cents) during the past 25 years.

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