[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2789-S2790]
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 16, 1999, the federal debt stood at 
$5,639,342,063,058.30 (Five trillion, six hundred thirty-nine billion, 
three hundred forty-two million, sixty-three thousand, fifty-eight 
dollars and thirty cents).
  One year ago, March 16, 1998, the federal debt stood at 
$5,530,456,000,000 (Five trillion, five hundred thirty billion, four 
hundred fifty-six million).
  Five years ago, March 16, 1994, the federal debt stood at 
$4,550,473,000,000 (Four trillion, five hundred fifty billion, four 
hundred seventy-three million).

[[Page S2790]]

  Ten years ago, March 16, 1989, the federal debt stood at 
$2,737,640,000,000 (Two trillion, seven hundred thirty-seven billion, 
six hundred forty million).
  Fifteen years ago, March 16, 1984, the federal debt stood at 
$1,465,672,000,000 (One trillion, four hundred sixty-five billion, six 
hundred seventy-two million) which reflects a debt increase of more 
than $4 trillion--$4,173,670,063,058.30 (Four trillion, one hundred 
seventy-three billion, six hundred seventy million, sixty-three 
thousand, fifty-eight dollars and thirty cents) during the past 15 
years.

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