[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2206]
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, March 2, 1999, the federal debt stood at $5,649,288,631,596.74 
(Five trillion, six hundred forty-nine billion, two hundred eighty-
eight million, six hundred thirty-one thousand, five hundred ninety-six 
dollars and seventy-four cents).
  One year ago, March 2, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,514,791,000,000 (Five trillion, five hundred fourteen billion, seven 
hundred ninety-one million).
  Five years ago, March 2, 1994, the federal debt stood at 
$4,554,852,000,000 (Four trillion, five hundred fifty-four billion, 
eight hundred fifty-two million).
  Ten years ago, March 2, 1989, the federal debt stood at 
$2,743,744,000,000 (Two trillion, seven hundred forty-three billion, 
seven hundred forty-four million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 2, 1984, the federal debt stood at 
$1,468,923,000,000 (One trillion, four hundred sixty-eight billion, 
nine hundred twenty-three million) which reflects a debt increase of 
more than $4 trillion--$4,180,365,631,596.74 (Four trillion, one 
hundred eighty billion, three hundred sixty-five million, six hundred 
thirty-one thousand, five hundred ninety-six dollars and seventy-four 
cents) during the past 15 years.

                          ____________________