Jesse Helms

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, October 4, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,653,380,479,214.62, five trillion, six hundred fifty-three billion, three hundred eighty million, four hundred seventy-nine thousand, two hundred fourteen dollars and sixty-two cents. One year ago, October 4, 1999, the Federal debt stood at $5,654,411,000,000, five trillion, six hundred fifty-four billion, four hundred eleven million. Five years ago, October 4, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,980,561,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred eighty billion, five hundred sixty-one million. Ten years ago, October 4, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,255,813,000,000, three trillion, two hundred fifty-five billion, eight hundred thirteen million. Fifteen years ago, October 4, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,105,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred five million, which reflects a debt increase of almost $4 trillion--$3,830,275,479,214.62, three trillion, eight hundred thirty billion, two hundred seventy-five million, four hundred seventy-nine thousand, two hundred fourteen dollars and sixty-two cents, during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, October 3, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,653,358,623,363.58, five trillion, six hundred fifty-three billion, three hundred fifty-eight million, six hundred twenty-three thousand, three hundred sixty-three dollars and fifty-eight cents. Five years ago, October 3, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,975,626,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred seventy-five billion, six hundred twenty-six million. Ten years ago, October 3, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,254,159,000,000, three trillion, two hundred fifty-four billion, one hundred fifty-nine million. Fifteen years ago, October 3, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,105,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred five million. Twenty-five years ago, October 3, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $547,355,000,000, five hundred forty-seven billion, three hundred fifty-five million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--$5,106,003,623,363.58, five trillion, one hundred six billion, three million, six hundred twenty-three thousand, three hundred sixty-three dollars and fifty-eight cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, October 2, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,661,548,045,674.53, five trillion, six hundred sixty-one billion, five hundred forty-eight million, forty-five thousand, six hundred seventy-four dollars and fifty-three cents. Five years ago, October 2, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,987,587,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred eighty-seven billion, five hundred eighty-seven million. Ten years ago, October 2, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,261,514,000,000, three trillion, two hundred sixty-one billion, five hundred fourteen million. Fifteen years ago, October 2, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,105,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred five million. Twenty-five years ago, October 2, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $553,269,000,000, five hundred fifty-three billion, two hundred sixty- nine million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,108,279,045,674.53, five trillion, one hundred eight billion, two hundred seventy-nine million, forty-five thousand, six hundred seventy- four dollars and fifty-three cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, September 29, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,674,178,209,886.86, five trillion, six hundred seventy-four billion, one hundred seventy-eight million, two hundred nine thousand, eight hundred eighty-six dollars and eighty-six cents. One year ago, September 29, 1999, the Federal debt stood at $5,645,399,000,000, five trillion, six hundred forty-five billion, three hundred ninety-nine million. Five years ago, September 29, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,973,983,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred seventy-three billion, nine hundred eighty-three million. Twenty-five years ago, September 29, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $552,824,000,000, five hundred fifty-two billion, eight hundred twenty- four million which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,121,354,209,886.86, five trillion, one hundred twenty-one billion, three hundred fifty-four million, two hundred nine thousand, eight hundred eighty-six dollars and eighty-six cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, September 27, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,650,215,693,123.45, five trillion, six hundred fifty billion, two hundred fifteen million, six hundred ninety-three thousand, one hundred twenty-three dollars and forty-five cents. One year ago, September 27, 1999, the Federal debt stood at $5,641,248,000,000, five trillion, six hundred forty-one billion, two hundred forty-eight million. Five years ago, September 27, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,955,603,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred fifty-five billion, six hundred three million. Ten years ago, September 27, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,217,914,000,000, three trillion, two hundred seventeen billion, nine hundred fourteen million. Fifteen years ago, September 27, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,103,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred three million, which reflects a debt increase of close to $4 trillion--$3,827,112,693,123.45, three trillion, eight hundred twenty-seven billion, one hundred twelve million, six hundred ninety- three thousand, one hundred twenty-three dollars and forty-five cents, during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations, I report favorably nomination lists which were printed in the Records of the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, September 26, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,648,781,388,359.77, five trillion, six hundred forty-eight billion, seven hundred eighty-one million, three hundred eighty-eight thousand, three hundred fifty-nine dollars and seventy-seven cents. Five years ago, September 26, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,953,251,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred fifty-three billion, two hundred fifty-one million. Ten years ago, September 26, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,214,541,000,000, three trillion, two hundred fourteen billion, five hundred forty-one million. Fifteen years ago, September 26, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,103,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred three million. Twenty-five years ago, September 26, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $552,848,000,000, five hundred fifty-two billion, eight hundred forty- eight million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--$5,095,933,388,359.77, five trillion, ninety-five billion, nine hundred thirty-three million, three hundred eighty-eight thousand, three hundred fifty-nine dollars and seventy-seven cents, during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, September 25, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,646,252,666,475.97, five trillion, six hundred forty-six billion, two hundred fifty-two million, six hundred sixty-six thousand, four hundred seventy-five dollars and ninety-seven cents. Five years ago, September 25, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,949,969,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred forty-nine billion, nine hundred sixty-nine million. Ten years ago, September 25, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,213,942,000,000, three trillion, two hundred thirteen billion, nine hundred forty-two million. Fifteen years ago, September 25, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,103,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred three million. Twenty-five years ago, September 25, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $552,347,000,000, five hundred fifty-two billion, three hundred forty- seven million which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,093,905,666,475.97, five trillion, ninety-three billion, nine hundred five million, six hundred sixty-six thousand, four hundred seventy-five dollars and ninety-seven cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, it is clear that a fair vote count in this weekend's elections will result in victory for the candidate of the opposition forces. Mr. Vojislav Kostunica. The people of Yugoslavia clearly have voted for democratic change, and the time has come for Yugoslavia's brutal dictator, Slobodan Milosevic, to have the decency to accept the will of his people and leave office peacefully. Not surprisingly, Milosevic has indicated he intends to do no such thing. I fully expect him to do everything in his power to steal this election to enable him to remain in power. In order to support the majority of Serbs who voted for peace and democracy, I urge my colleagues to support the Serbia Democratization Act--legislation that I introduced more than 18 months ago--designed to undermine the murderous Milosevic regime and thereby support democratic change in Serbia. The Serbia Democratization Act calls for the United States to identify and give aid to the democratic forces in Serbia opposing Milosevic's tyranny, including independent media and non-governmental organizations in Serbia. And it makes clear that unless and until there is a democratic government in Yugoslavia, the United States will maintain the sanctions that we have in place today. When the Serbian people finally gain the government in Belgrade that they voted for this weekend--a government based on freedom, democracy and rule of law--I will lead an effort in Congress to ensure that the United States provides them with substantial support to assist their nation's democratic transition. I am hopeful that day will come soon. I also commend the important role played by Montenegro in this weekend's elections. The decision by the vast majority of Montenegrins to boycott this election indicates the level of support in that republic for the course of democratic, free-market reforms proposed by President Djukanovic. Montenegro deserves the support of the United States, and can serve as an example to the people of Serbia regarding the benefits they could enjoy in a post-Milosevic era.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, September 22, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,646,596,948,282.03, five trillion, six hundred forty-six billion, five hundred ninety-six million, nine hundred forty-eight thousand, two hundred eighty-two dollars and three cents. One year ago, September 22, 1999, the Federal debt stood at $5,636,049,000,000, five trillion, six hundred thirty-six billion, forty-nine million. Five years ago, September 22, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,949,192,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred forty-nine billion, one hundred ninety-two million. Twenty-five years ago, September 22, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $550,764,000,000, five hundred fifty billion, seven hundred sixty-four million, which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,095,832,948,282.03, five trillion, ninety-five billion, eight hundred thirty-two million, nine hundred forty-eight thousand, two hundred eighty-two dollars and three cents, during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, September 20, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,660,515,052,511.42, five trillion, six hundred sixty billion, five hundred fifteen million, fifty-two thousand, five hundred eleven dollars and forty-two cents. One year ago, September 20, 1999, the Federal debt stood at $5,630,759,000,000, five trillion, six hundred thirty billion, seven hundred fifty-nine million. Five years ago, September 20, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,967,473,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred sixty-seven billion, four hundred seventy-three million. Ten years ago, September 20, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,214,168,000,000, three trillion, two hundred fourteen billion, one hundred sixty-eight million. Fifteen years ago, September 20, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,102,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred two million, which reflects a debt increase of almost $4 trillion--$3,837,413,052,511.42, three trillion, eight hundred thirty- seven billion, four hundred thirteen million, fifty-two thousand, five hundred eleven dollars and forty-two cents, during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, countless Americans will welcome the news that the Senate last night ratified the Treaty of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. This Treaty was approved by our Foreign Relations Committee in April. In addition, the Senate also approved unanimous final passage of the Intercountry Adoption Implementation Act--which was likewise unanimously approved by the House of Representatives this past Monday. I offered the Intercountry Adoption Implementation act a year ago-- along with Senator Landrieu, because this legislation will provide, for the first time, a rational structure for intercountry adoption. Mr. President, this significant legislation is intended to build some accountability into agencies that provide intercountry adoption services in the United States while strengthening the hand of the Secretary of State in ensuring that U.S. adoption agencies engage in an ethical manner to find homes for children. In addition, Mr. President, both the Senate and the House agreed that sole responsibility for implementing the requirements of the Hague Convention, rests with the U.S. Secretary of State. Although, some advocated early on, a role for various government agencies, I believe that spreading responsibility among various agencies would have undermined the effective implementation of the Hague Convention. Mr. President, passage of this significant legislation would not have been possible without the assistance from several talented people in both the Senate and House. In particular, of course, I extend my sincere appreciation to Senator Landrieu (and her staff). Senator Landrieu and I have worked together on issues of adoption since her arrival in the Senate in 1997. Senator Biden, ranking minority member of the Foreign Relations Committee, has been exceedingly helpful (as has his staff) in finalizing the Intercountry Adoption Implementation Act. It's always a privilege to work with our colleagues in the House--and especially regarding passage of this Act. The Honorable Bill Gilman, the distinguished chairman of the House International Relations Committee; Congressman Sam Gejdenson, ranking minority member on the House International Relations; Congressmen Dave Camp and William Delahunt; and, last but by no means least, my good friend, Congressman Richard Burr--who offered the original Senate companion bill in the House. From my own Senate family, the former legislative counsel for the Foreign Relations Committee (now counsel for Senate Intelligence), Patricia McNerney; and Michele DeKonty, the very special lady who, in every sense, my right-hand lady. Mr. President, this legislation now goes to President Clinton. I am hopeful that ratification and implementation of the Hague Convention will encourage more intercountry adoptions, while protecting all who are involved in the process.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, September 19, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,658,234,946,688.07, five trillion, six hundred fifty-eight billion, two hundred thirty-four million, nine hundred forty-six thousand, six hundred eighty-eight dollars and seven cents. Five years ago, September 19, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,965,955,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred sixty-five billion, nine hundred fifty-five million. Ten years ago, September 19, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,232,292,000,000, three trillion, two hundred thirty-two billion, two hundred ninety-two million. Fifteen years ago, September 19, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,102,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred two million. Twenty-five years ago, September 19, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $550,758,000,000, five hundred fifty billion, seven hundred fifty-eight million which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,107,476,946,688.07, five trillion, one hundred seven billion, four hundred seventy-six million, nine hundred forty-six thousand, six hundred eighty-eight dollars and seven cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, September 18, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,651,871,016,617.17, five trillion, six hundred fifty-one billion, eight hundred seventy-one million, sixteen thousand, six hundred seventeen dollars and seventeen cents. Five years ago, September 18, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,963,469,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred sixty-three billion, four hundred sixty-nine million. Ten years ago, September 18, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,232,530,000,000, three trillion, two hundred thirty-two billion, five hundred thirty million. Fifteen years ago, September 18, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,102,000,000, one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred two million. Twenty-five years ago, September 18, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $550,627,000,000, five hundred fifty billion, six hundred twenty-seven million which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,101,244,016,617.17, five trillion, one hundred one billion, two hundred forty-four million, sixteen thousand, six hundred seventeen dollars and seventeen cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. I thank the Chair for recognizing me. In a moment, I hope the Chair will allow me the privilege of making my remarks seated at my desk. But I want to say that Senator Byrd says he has been here 38 years.

Mr. HELMS. I thought I had gained the floor in my own right. But I appreciate that very much. I will not take long in any case.

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, this afternoon the Senate will reach the end of the debate on H.R. 4444, a bill to legislate permanent normal trade relations to and with the People's Republic of China. The debate, yes, will end this afternoon. But I can assure you that just now beginning is a debate about the future of United States and China relations. The outcome of today's vote was well known long before the first syllable of debate resulted. I recall the objection stated by Senator Byrd, and I objected to the procedure as well because it was a pro forma action about how the consideration of H.R. 4444 was going to be conducted and the concluding result was to be final passage without even one amendment to be added. I don't think that is becoming of the Senate, but I shall not refer to the Senate's posture as a conspiracy, but it is a first cousin to one, and I remain exceedingly troubled by what has transpired. I fervently hope it never happens to the Senate again. The outcome of this debate was decided before any Senator even sought to be recognized by the Presiding Officer to make his or her case for or against PNTR. But all that aside, the Senate will shortly vote, and I trust that all Senators' votes will be cast with the courage of their real convictions and not convictions determined by others for them. I commend my friend, the Senator from Delaware, Mr. Roth, and the Senator from New York, Mr. Moynihan, for their defense of ``their'' bill. Both Bill Roth and Pat Moynihan have been exceedingly accommodating to me and to other Senators. But there was a stacked deck that guaranteed approval of H.R. 4444. It was evident from the start. I shall always be grateful to Senators who endeavored to ensure a serious debate, and for their courage and resolve. I express my admiration to, among others, Senator Byrd and Senator Thompson, Senators Bob Smith, John Kyl, Paul Wellstone. These Senators were Churchillian in their efforts. Sir Winston Churchill demonstrated seven or eight decades ago that there would be no stacked deck when he courageously called for a principled confrontation against the despotism of Nazi Germany. In the course of the Senate's debate, we did succeed in making an indisputable record concerning the deplorable state of human rights in China. And we did succeed in exposing the heinous practice of forced abortion. And we did succeed in focusing the attention of our Nation, and I think of the world, on the peril of China's proliferation. If I may again mention Mr. Churchill, the press paid him scant attention when he cast his warnings about the trip of the Prime Minister of Great Britain to Munich where he met with Adolph Hitler, and then came back to London for a big press conference proclaiming ``Peace in our time.'' Mr. Chamberlain proclaimed that that fellow Hitler was someone the British people could live with. Mr. President, I sincerely fear that this bill will have serious consequences because of its profound implications for the future of U.S.-China relations, relations totally unlike the happy ones described by the bill's advocates. The interests of various American businesses will, no doubt, be served, but to those of us who have worked in the Senate Chamber during this debate, it is highly questionable whether the national interests of either the United States or the interests of the people of China-- the people of China--will be served. As I mention ever so often, when I was a little boy I was interested in the Chinese people and their culture. That interst grew as the years went by. During my 28 years as a U.S. Senator, I have met with and worked with hundreds of Chinese students, delightful young people, bright and without exception having expressed profound hopes and prayers that their homeland can one day enjoy the freedom that the American people have by inheritance. So clearly and without a trace of equivocation, I have the deepest admiration for the Chinese people--I repeat that for emphasis--and it is my fervent hope and my prayer that one day they will be freed from the brutal dictatorship that now controls their lives. I sincerely believe that the majority of the American people share that feeling. I have had people stop me in the corridors. Just a few moments ago, I had the Commander of the American Legion from my State stopped me to say that he agreed with my position. I hear it over and over--in the mail we receive, in the e-mail, the faxes and letters. Mr. President, there is unquestionably an enormous potential for a deep and lasting relationship of respect between the people of our country and the people of China. I have long been convinced that what separates us is not animosity between our peoples. It is the Communist dictatorship in Beijing which neither speaks for, nor rules by, the consent of the Chinese people. Today in China, millions of courageous people struggle for democracy and for religious freedom and for basic human rights. Because when they dare to do so, they are beaten and they are jailed; they are tortured and often murdered. It is for these freedom-seeking Chinese that I stand here today. Their interests, not the interests of corporate America, are my priority. And that is why I have not been able to support H.R. 4444. Mr. President, there are many bureaucratic contacts and exchanges between the U.S. and the Chinese Government. Some of my good friends, and friends of many of us in this Senate, have traveled to China time and time again, exchanged toasts with Chinese Communist leaders, clinked glasses of wine; but the attitude of the Communist Government has never changed. It still throws decent Chinese citizens in jail. It still denies the Chinese people the most basic political liberties. So giving permanent normal trade relations to the Government of China will indeed destroy an important lever that we now have, and have had, to influence Chinese behavior. We are tossing it aside. The advocates of PNTR have repeatedly declared that this enactment will help the cause of democracy and human rights in China. Those declarations will now be put to the test and the ball will be in the court of Beijing. With today's vote, the Chinese Government is being given an historic opportunity to change the course of U.S.-Chinese relations for the good. The Chinese Government has not confronted such a challenge since Beijing's tragic decision--remember--in Tiananmen Square, when a tank crushed a peaceful student protest, crushed that young man into paste. That was 11 years ago and nothing has changed since. To seize upon this moment and make me be proven wrong, China must act quickly, not merely to open its markets as required under the agreement with the United States but open its society as well, to demonstrate a commitment to humane treatment of its people at home, and a more benign and peaceful approach to its relationship with its neighboring countries. The Chinese Government must cease the suppression of religious liberties. Even the Washington Post commented on that this morning in a well- written, well-thought-out editorial. The Chinese Government must put an end to the abhorrent practice of forced abortion. And with regard to the democratic Government of Taiwan, China must demonstrate that it is committed to peaceful dialog as being the only option for resolving differences between Taiwan and the Communist mainland. Mr. President, I would be less than honest if I did not confess my great apprehension that there will be little if any real change by the Chinese Government as a result of our passing this measure. But if real change is to take place, the United States must more aggressively support the aspirations of the hundreds of millions of Chinese people who want their homeland to become a nation that is both great and good. We must reach out to those people who are struggling for a freer, more open and more democratic China, and make clear to them that the American people stand with them. We must make clear to the Chinese Government that it will not be in their interests to continue their oppression of their own people, that in the long run totalitarian dictatorship cannot be tolerated. So if the advocates of PNTR prove to be wrong, and if nothing changes in China in the wake of the Senate's final approval of PNTR this afternoon, I will devote whatever strength and influence I may possess to limit any and all conceivable benefits that this legislation may hold for the Chinese Communist Government. I am nearly through, but I want to emphasize that, like many others in the Senate, I am a father and a grandfather. I am a grandfather who yearns for a peaceful world for my family and for all Americans. Better relations with China are an important hope of a peaceful world, but not better relations at any price. Too often in history, some of the world's great democracies have sought to coexist with, even to appease, dangerous and tyrannical regimes. I mentioned at the outset Winston Churchill, who took his stand against his country's Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain who had visited with Adolf Hitler in Munich, then returning to London proclaiming there would be ``peace in our time'' and that Britain need not fear Nazi Germany. There was that one man who stood up and said no, Winston Churchill, who was to lead the free world into combat in one of the worst tyrannies history has ever known. We must not repeat the mistake of Britain's Prime Minister seven decades ago. I have absolutely nothing against American business men and women making a profit. I want them to make a profit. I believe in the free enterprise system. I believe I have demonstrated that in all of my career. But the safety and security of the American people must come first through the principles of this country which were laid down by our Founding Fathers. That safety and security will be assured ultimately not by appeasement, not by the hope of trade at any cost, but by dealing with Communist China without selling out the very moral and spiritual principles that made America great in the first place. I thank the Chair and yield the floor.

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, today the Senate----

Mr. HELMS. Forty-eight years. I have only been here 28 years, and I have the same opinion the Senator does about the State Department. I have said many times how proud I am that the distinguished Senator from West Virginia is a native of North Carolina because he was born there. He moved at a very early age to West Virginia, a State which he has represented ably. But I admire the Senator for many reasons. We don't always agree. But I will tell you one thing. This Senator is dedicated. When I say ``this Senator,'' I mean Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia. He is dedicated to the proposition that this Senate shall operate in an orderly way. He made some remarks today about the unusual character of the way the voting time on this measure was arranged, and I objected to it as he did. I think it ill becomes the Senate. I hope it never happens again. Mr. President, if I may take my seat.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Madam President, at the close of business Friday, September 15, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,649,458,049,076.86, five trillion, six hundred forty-nine billion, four hundred fifty-eight million, forty-nine thousand, seventy-six dollars and eighty-six cents. One year ago, September 15, 1999, the Federal debt stood at $5,622,781,000,000, five trillion, six hundred twenty-two billion, seven hundred eighty-one million. Five years ago, September 15, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,962,990,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred sixty-two billion, nine hundred ninety million. Twenty-five years ago, September 15, 1975, the Federal debt stood at $549,526,000,000, five hundred forty-nine billion, five hundred twenty- six million which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,099,932,049,076.86, five trillion, ninety-nine billion, nine hundred thirty-two million, forty-nine thousand, seventy-six dollars and eighty-six cents during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, September 14, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,675,575,620,669.30, five trillion, six hundred seventy-five billion, five hundred seventy-five million, six hundred twenty thousand, six hundred sixty-nine dollars and thirty cents. One year ago, September 14, 1999, the Federal debt stood at $5,657,546,000,000, five trillion, six hundred fifty-seven billion, five hundred forty-six million. Five years ago, September 14, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,968,803,000,000, four trillion, nine hundred sixty-eight billion, eight hundred three million. Ten years ago, September 14, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,233,193,000,000, three trillion, two hundred thirty-three billion, one hundred ninety-three million, which reflects an increase of almost $2.5 trillion--$2,442,382,620,669.30, two trillion, four hundred forty- two billion, three hundred eighty-two million, six hundred twenty thousand, six hundred sixty-nine dollars and thirty cents, during the past 10 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, September 13, 2000, the Federal debt stood at $5,685,088,778,465.03 (five trillion, six hundred eighty-five billion, eighty-eight million, seven hundred seventy-eight thousand, four hundred sixty-five dollars and three cents). One year ago, September 13, 1999, the Federal debt stood at $5,654,838,000,000 (five trillion, six hundred fifty-four billion, eight hundred thirty-eight million). Five years ago, September 13, 1995, the Federal debt stood at $4,967,411,000,000 (four trillion, nine hundred sixty-seven billion, four hundred eleven million). Ten years ago, September 13, 1990, the Federal debt stood at $3,234,805,000,000 (three trillion, two hundred thirty-four billion, eight hundred five million). Fifteen years ago, September 13, 1985, the Federal debt stood at $1,823,101,000,000 (one trillion, eight hundred twenty-three billion, one hundred one million) which reflects a debt increase of almost $4 trillion--$3,861,987,778,465.03 (three trillion, eight hundred sixty- one billion, nine hundred eighty-seven million, seven hundred seventy- eight thousand, four hundred sixty-five dollars and three cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent--and I hope everyone will agree to the unanimous consent--to lay aside the pending amendment.

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I wish to renew my request that it be in order for me to be seated during the presentation of my remarks.

Mr. HELMS. I thank the Chair.