[Page S3268]
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, April 15, 1997, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,383,116,230,748.81. Five trillion, three hundred eighty-three 
billion, one hundred sixteen million, two hundred thirty thousand, 
seven hundred forty-eight dollars and eighty-one cents.
  One year ago, April 15, 1996, the Federal debt stood at 
$5,140,011,000,000. Five trillion, one hundred forty billion, eleven 
million.
  Five years ago, April 15, 1992, the Federal debt stood at 
$3,902,117,000,000. Three trillion, nine hundred two billion, one 
hundred seventeen million.
  Ten years ago, April 15, 1987, the Federal debt stood at 
$2,281,470,000,000. Two trillion, two hundred eighty-one billion, four 
hundred seventy million.
  Fifteen years ago, April 15, 1982, the Federal debt stood at 
$1,064,434,000,000. One trillion, sixty-four billion, four hundred 
thirty-four million--which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 
trillion--$4,318,682,230,748.81--four trillion, three hundred eighteen 
billion, six hundred eighty-two million, two hundred thirty thousand, 
seven hundred forty-eight dollars and eighty-one cents--during the past 
15 years.

                          ____________________