[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 10, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2502]
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 9, 1999, the federal debt stood at $5,650,748,864,597.49 
(Five trillion, six hundred fifty billion, seven hundred forty-eight 
million, eight hundred sixty-four thousand, five hundred ninety-seven 
dollars and forty-nine cents).
  One year ago, March 9, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,523,019,000,000 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-three billion, 
nineteen million).
  Five years ago, March 9, 1994, the federal debt stood at 
$4,542,638,000,000 (Four trillion, five hundred forty-two billion, six 
hundred thirty-eight million).
  Ten years ago, March 9, 1989, the federal debt stood at 
$2,740,636,000,000 (Two trillion, seven hundred forty billion, six 
hundred thirty-six million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 9, 1984, the federal debt stood at 
$1,464,624,000,000 (One trillion, four hundred sixty-four billion, six 
hundred twenty-four million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4,186,124,864,597.49 (Four trillion, one hundred 
eighty-six billion, one hundred twenty-four million, eight hundred 
sixty-four thousand, five hundred ninety-seven dollars and forty-nine 
cents) during the past 15 years.

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