[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 44 (Friday, March 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2999]
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, 
Thursday, March 18, 1999, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,639,558,556,809.78 (Five trillion, six hundred thirty-nine billion, 
five hundred fifty-eight million, five hundred fifty-six thousand, 
eight hundred nine dollars and seventy-eight cents).
  One year ago, March 18, 1998, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,537,179,000,000 (Five trillion, five hundred thirty-seven billion, 
one hundred seventy-nine million).
  Five years ago, March 18, 1994, the Federal debt stood at 
$4,554,111,000,000 (Four trillion, five hundred fifty-four billion, one 
hundred eleven million).
  Twenty-five years ago, March 18, 1974, the Federal debt stood at 
$471,215,000,000 (Four hundred seventy-one billion, two hundred fifteen 
million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--
$5,168,343,556,809.78 (Five trillion, one hundred sixty-eight billion, 
three hundred forty-three million, five hundred fifty-six thousand, 
eight hundred nine dollars and seventy-eight cents) during the past 25 
years.

                          ____________________