[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1774-S1775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE VERY BAD DEBT BOXSCORE

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, now that we are back to doing the people's 
business, it may be of interest that despite the so-call budget 
surplus, the federal debt continues to increase by an average of $248 
million a day. Some ``surplus''!
  Congress and the Administration have been BUSILY creating new federal 
programs which in turn appear to absorb more taxpayer money than 
produce desired benefits for the American people. If we continue with 
this spend--spend--spend mentality, the American people's average 
portion of the federal debt will further escalate from its present sum 
of $20,650.78.
  With these thoughts in mind, Mr. President, I begin where I left off 
in the 105th Congress:
  At the close of business yesterday, Monday, February 22, 1999, the 
federal debt stood at $5,617,212,277,099.84 (Five trillion, six hundred 
seventeen billion, two hundred twelve million, two hundred seventy-
seven thousand, ninety-nine dollars and eighty-four cents).
  Five years ago, February 22, 1994, the federal debt stood at 
$4,540,132,000,000 (Four trillion, five hundred forty billion, one 
hundred thirty-two million).
  Ten years ago, February 22, 1989, the federal debt stood at 
$2,722,208,000,000 (Two trillion, seven hundred twenty-two billion, two 
hundred eight million).
  Fifteen years ago, February 22, 1984, the federal debt stood at 
$1,454,396,000,000 (One trillion, four hundred fifty-four billion, 
three hundred ninety-six million).
  Twenty-five years ago, February 22, 1974, the federal debt stood at 
$467,489,000,000 (Four hundred sixty-seven billion, four hundred 
eighty-nine million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 
trillion--$5,149,723,277,099.84 (Five trillion, one hundred forty-nine 
billion, seven hundred twenty-three million, two hundred seventy-seven 
thousand, ninety-nine dollars and eighty-four cents) during the past 25 
years.

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