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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, 
September 29, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,388,315,809,652.79. 
(Five trillion, three hundred eighty-eight billion, three hundred 
fifteen million, eight hundred nine thousand, six hundred fifty-two 
dollars and seventy-nine cents)
  Five years ago, September 29, 1992, the federal debt stood at 
$4,045,289,000,000. (Four trillion, forty-five billion, two hundred 
eighty-nine million)
  Ten years ago, September 29, 1987, the federal debt stood at 
$2,340,446,000,000. (Two trillion, three hundred forty billion, four 
hundred forty-six million)
  Fifteen years ago, September 29, 1982, the federal debt stood at 
$1,118,989,000,000. (One trillion, one hundred eighteen billion, nine 
hundred eighty-nine million)
  Twenty-five years ago, September 29, 1972, the federal debt stood at 
$433,946,000,000 (Four hundred thirty-three billion, nine hundred 
forty-six million) which reflects a debt increase of nearly $5 
trillion--$4,954,369,809,652.79 (Four trillion, nine hundred fifty-four 
billion, three hundred sixty-nine million, eight hundred nine thousand, 
six hundred fifty-two dollars and seventy-nine cents) during the past 
25 years.

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