[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5479]
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, Monday, 
May 17, 1999, the federal debt stood at $5,587,730,041,115.05 (Five 
trillion, five hundred eighty-seven billion, seven hundred thirty 
million, forty-one thousand, one hundred fifteen dollars and five 
cents).
  Five years ago, May 17, 1994, the federal debt stood at 
$4,588,709,000,000 (Four trillion, five hundred eighty-eight billion, 
seven hundred nine million).
  Ten years ago, May 17, 1989, the federal debt stood at 
$2,781,561,000,000 (Two trillion, seven hundred eighty-one billion, 
five hundred sixty-one million).
  Fifteen years ago, May 17, 1984, the federal debt stood at 
$1,486,043,000,000 (One trillion, four hundred eighty-six billion, 
forty-three million).
  Twenty-five years ago, May 17, 1974, the federal debt stood at 
$469,577,000,000 (Four hundred sixty-nine billion, five hundred 
seventy-seven million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 
trillion--$5,118,153,041,115.05 (Five trillion, one hundred eighteen 
billion, one hundred fifty-three million, forty-one thousand, one 
hundred fifteen dollars and five cents) during the past 25 years.

                          ____________________