[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 34 (Thursday, March 4, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2271]
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, March 3, 1999, the federal debt stood at 
$5,653,396,336,274.78 (Five trillion, six hundred fifty-three billion, 
three hundred ninety-six million, three hundred thirty-six thousand, 
two hundred seventy-four dollars and seventy-eight cents).
  One year ago, March 3, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,528,587,000,000 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-eight billion, 
five hundred eighty-seven million).
  Five years ago, March 3, 1994, the federal debt stood at 
$4,546,225,000,000 (Four trillion, five hundred forty-six billion, two 
hundred twenty-five million).
  Ten years ago, March 3, 1989, the federal debt stood at 
$2,745,475,000,000 (Two trillion, seven hundred forty-five billion, 
four hundred seventy-five million) which reflects a doubling of the 
debt--an increase of almost $3 trillion--$2,907,921,336,274.78 (Two 
trillion, nine hundred seven billion, nine hundred twenty-one million, 
three hundred thirty-six thousand, two hundred seventy-four dollars and 
seventy-eight cents) during the past 10 years.

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