[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 21, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S2659]
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 20, 2001, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,732,596,852,845.50, five trillion, seven hundred thirty-two billion, 
five hundred ninety-six million, eight hundred fifty-two thousand, 
eight hundred forty-five dollars and fifty cents.
  One year ago, March 20, 2000, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,728,254,000,000, five trillion, seven hundred twenty-eight billion, 
two hundred fifty-four million.
  Five years ago, March 20, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,059,798,000,000, five trillion, fifty-nine billion, seven hundred 
ninety-eight million.
  Ten years ago, March 20, 1991, the Federal debt stood at 
$3,448,161,000,000, three trillion, four hundred forty-eight billion, 
one hundred sixty-one million.
  Fifteen years ago, March 20, 1986, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,982,276,000,000, one trillion, nine hundred eighty-two billion, two 
hundred seventy-six million, which reflects a debt increase of almost 
$4 trillion--$3,940,320,852,845.50, three trillion, nine hundred forty 
billion, three hundred twenty million, eight hundred fifty-two 
thousand, eight hundred forty-five dollars and fifty cents, during the 
past 15 years.

                          ____________________