Jesse Helms

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I thank the distinguished leaders, but I am also deeply grateful to the able senior Senator from New York. For too long the government has classified information which has no business being classified. When I came to the Senate, I was a member of the Armed Services Committee and I remember that I went to many classified briefings, only to be informed, in great detail, of everything that was in the New York Times and Washington Post that morning. The most frustrating thing was that we could not talk about the information from those meetings because it was classified.

Mr. HELMS. The Commission by law had two goals: to study how to protect the important government secrets while simultaneously reducing the enormous amount of classified documents and materials. We began our deliberations with the premise that government secrecy is a form of regulation, and like all regulations, should be used sparingly. But I feel obliged to reiterate and emphasize the obvious. The protection of true national security information remains vital to the well-being and security of the United States.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations, I also report favorably three nomination lists in the Foreign Service which were printed in full in the Congressional Records of October 31, 1997 and February 2, 1998, 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 Friday, February 27, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,520,668,318,465.51 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty billion, six hundred sixty-eight million, three hundred eighteen thousand, four hundred sixty-five dollars and fifty-one cents). One year ago, February 27, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,349,403,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-nine billion, four hundred three million). Twenty-five years ago, February 27, 1973, the federal debt stood at $454,020,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-four billion, twenty million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,066,648,318,465.51 (Five trillion, sixty-six billion, six hundred forty-eight million, three hundred eighteen thousand, four hundred sixty-five dollars and fifty-one cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Thursday, February 26, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,525,033,799,622.62 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-five billion, thirty-three million, seven hundred ninety-nine thousand, six hundred twenty-two dollars and sixty-two cents). One year ago, February 26, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,345,590,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-five billion, five hundred ninety million). Five years ago, February 26, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,197,003,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred ninety-seven billion, three million). Ten years ago, February 26, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,473,373,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred seventy-three billion, three hundred seventy-three million). Twenty-five years ago, February 26, 1973, the Federal debt stood at $453,599,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-three billion, five hundred ninety-nine million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--$5,071,404,799,622.62 (Five trillion, seventy-one billion, four hundred four million, seven hundred ninety-nine thousand, six hundred twenty-two dollars and sixty-two cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I join Senator Faircloth in extending our welcome and our appreciation to our distinguished guest Chaplain. I congratulate his son, Congressman Burr, for choosing such a fine father. I congratulate you, Dr. Burr, for having lucked out in having such a fine son. It is a pleasure to have you with us, and I hope you will come again, soon. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. NICKLES addressed the Chair.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, February 25, 1998, the federal debt stood at $5,524,032,303,574.34 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-four billion, thirty-two million, three hundred three thousand, five hundred seventy- four dollars and thirty-four cents). One year ago, February 25, 1997, the federal debt stood at $5,342,930,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty-two billion, nine hundred thirty million). Five years ago, February 25, 1993, the federal debt stood at $4,199,328,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred ninety-nine billion, three hundred twenty-eight million). Ten years ago, February 25, 1988, the federal debt stood at $2,473,169,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred seventy-three billion, one hundred sixty-nine million). Fifteen years ago, February 25, 1983, the federal debt stood at $1,211,806,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred eleven billion, eight hundred six million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,312,226,303,574.34 (Four trillion, three hundred twelve billion, two hundred twenty-six million, three hundred three thousand, five hundred seventy-four dollars and thirty-four cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, February 24, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,522,503,241,725.24 (Five trillion, five hundred twenty-two billion, five hundred three million, two hundred forty-one thousand, seven hundred twenty-five dollars and twenty-four cents). One year ago, February 24, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,340,989,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty billion, nine hundred eighty-nine million). Five years ago, February 24, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,198,006,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred ninety-eight billion, six million). Ten years ago, February 24, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,472,187,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred seventy-two billion, one hundred eighty-seven million). Fifteen years ago, February 24, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,211,713,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred eleven billion, seven hundred thirteen million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,310,790,241,725.24 (Four trillion, three hundred ten billion, seven hundred ninety million, two hundred forty-one thousand, seven hundred twenty-five dollars and twenty-four cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending February 20, the U.S. imported 6,167,000 barrels of oil each day, 1,083,000 barrels less than the 7,250,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. While this is one of the rare weeks when Americans imported slightly less oil than a year ago, Americans relied on foreign oil for 49.3 percent of their needs last week, and there are no signs that the upward spiral will abate. Before the Persian Gulf War, the United States obtained approximately 45 percent of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. Anybody else interested in restoring domestic production of oil? By U.S. producers using American workers? Politicians had better ponder the economic calamity sure to occur in America if and when foreign producers shut off our supply--or double the already enormous cost of imported oil flowing into the U.S.--now 6,167,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, February 23, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,519,492,792,898.57 (Five trillion, five hundred nineteen billion, four hundred ninety-two million, seven hundred ninety-two thousand, eight hundred ninety-eight dollars and fifty-seven cents). Five years ago, February 23, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,195,090,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred ninety-five billion, ninety million). Ten years ago, February 23, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,472,592,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred seventy-two billion, five hundred ninety-two million). Fifteen years ago, February 23, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,207,534,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred seven billion, five hundred thirty-four million). Twenty-five years ago, February 23, 1973, the Federal debt stood at $452,993,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-two billion, nine hundred ninety- three million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion--$5,066,499,792,898.57 (Five trillion, sixty-six billion, four hundred ninety-nine million, seven hundred ninety-two thousand, eight hundred ninety-eight dollars and fifty-seven cents) during the past 25 years. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, as I speak, the countless friends of Joe Webb have been sadly saying farewell to him at services today in Raleigh and at Saint Matthews Church cemetery in Hillsborough, Joe's final resting place. Joseph Cheshire Webb, 83, died this past Friday afternoon after a distinguished career as trust officer for Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in Raleigh--which he had served for decades as head of that bank's trust department. But it was not merely Joe's able service as a highly respected banker that earned for him the wide circle of friends who were saddened by the news of his passing. Joe was thoughtful and caring without fail--and his sense of humor made him welcome everywhere he went. In other words, he was a genuinely good guy, a sincere and honorable friend. His service in the Navy during World War II, his participation in the civic and business life of Raleigh and the State of North Carolina, and the sincerity of his friendly personality earned for him the respect and affection of all who knew him. To all of us who knew Joe Webb well, he was what the late Senator Dick Russell of Georgia so often referred to as ``one of Nature's Noblemen.'' I am proud to have been his friend, Mr. President, and to have him as mine. I shall miss him.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, February 20, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,518,340,599,802.18 (Five trillion, five hundred eighteen billion, three hundred forty million, five hundred ninety-nine thousand, eight hundred two dollars and eighteen cents). One year ago, February 20, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,340,668,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred forty billion, six hundred sixty-eight million). Twenty-five years ago, February 20, 1973, the Federal debt stood at $452,362,000,000 (Four hundred fifty-two billion, three hundred sixty- two million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,065,978,599,802.18 (Five trillion, sixty-five billion, nine hundred seventy-eight million, five hundred ninety-nine thousand, eight hundred two dollars and eighteen cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending February 6, the U.S. imported 8,371,000 barrels of oil each day, 447,000 barrels more than the 7,894,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. Americans relied on foreign oil for 56.8 percent of their needs last week, and there are no signs that the upward spiral will abate. Before the Persian Gulf War, the United States obtained approximately 45 percent of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. Anybody else interested in restoring domestic production of oil? By U.S. producers using American workers? Politicians had better ponder the economic calamity sure to occur in America if and when foreign producers shut off our supply--or double the already enormous cost of imported oil flowing into the U.S.--now 8,371,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, February 11, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,473,648,289,477.06 (Five trillion, four hundred seventy-three billion, six hundred forty-eight million, two hundred eighty-nine thousand, four hundred seventy-seven dollars and six cents). One year ago, February 11, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,305,464,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred five billion, four hundred sixty-four million). Five years ago, February 11, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,175,669,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-five billion, six hundred sixty-nine million). Ten years ago, February 11, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,452,989,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred fifty-two billion, nine hundred eighty-nine million). Fifteen years ago, February 11, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,194,636,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-four billion, six hundred thirty-six million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,279,012,289,477.06 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy- nine billion, twelve million, two hundred eighty-nine thousand, four hundred seventy-seven dollars and six cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the distinguished Senators Bond and Frist are to be commended in introducing the underlying legislation to ban human cloning and the creation of human embryos. Congress must make unmistakably clear that human life is too precious and valuable to be cheapened by a medical procedure which replicates human beings. Millions of Americans believe that human cloning is inconsistent with the moral responsibility that is incumbent upon modern medical technology. Put simply, so-called medical ``advances'' are not advances at all unless the dignity and sanctity of all human life are preserved. It is meaningful, I think, that the Senate's only physician has sponsored this bill. I appreciate Senator Frist's willingness to offer his medical expertise to the American people by setting the record straight about the travesty of human cloning. Mr. President, the overwhelming consensus among professionals in the medical industry confirms that human cloning is unethical and immoral. NIH Director Harold Vamus stated that he personally agrees with numerous polls evidencing the public's opinion that cloning human beings is ``repugnant.'' Indeed, Mr. President, the American people are outraged by the hubris of a fringe element of the medical community wishing to pursue human cloning--and they are demanding action. In fact, some states have already introduced similar legislation to the one before us that would ban human cloning. Perhaps this debate over human cloning was inevitable because, for too long, our society has failed to stand on the principle that all life has value. Nowhere has the lack of respect for human life been more evident than in the Supreme Court's tragic Roe v. Wade decision in 1973--the infamous case; which established that unborn children are expendable for reasons of convenience and social policy. Roe v. Wade presaged an era where science, technology and medicine are no longer confined to work within the moral boundaries erased by that ill-fated decision made twenty-five years ago. I'm sure most Americans were alarmed, as I was, when the Chicago physicist, Richard Seed, expressed his reasoning for wanting to clone a human being. Mr. Seed, states that he believes mankind should reach the level of supremacy as our Creator. Mark my words, a society that permits modern medicine to sacrifice human dignity for the sole purpose of such self-glorification will not survive its own arrogance. Those having doubts need only to consult their history books. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the course of history. It is instructive to read the book of Genesis and the account about a group from Babylon who became so enamored by technology that they believed they could build a structure, the infamous Tower of Babel, that would reach into heaven. The Lord punished the arrogance of this civilization and disrupted their foolish work. Some may say this is a story of irrelevance, but I believe it serves as a reminder of the ramifications to come if modern medicine is allowed to exceed beyond the moral boundaries and human limitations set by God. We should not be in the business of taking away life or creating life unnaturally. So, Mr. President, it is extremely important that the Senate pass this legislation to outlaw human cloning. In doing so, the Senate will heed the American people's belief that this objectionable procedure is a dangerous precedent and a morally abhorrent use of medical technology.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, February 10, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,471,889,906,215.21 (Five trillion, four hundred seventy-one billion, eight hundred eighty-nine million, nine hundred six thousand, two hundred fifteen dollars and twenty-one cents). One year ago, February 10, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,302,292,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred two billion, two hundred ninety-two million). Five years ago, February 10, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,172,770,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-two billion, seven hundred seventy million). Ten years ago, February 10, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,452,575,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred fifty-two billion, five hundred seventy-five million). Fifteen years ago, February 10, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,194,868,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-four billion, eight hundred sixty-eight million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,277,021,906,215.21 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy-seven billion, twenty-one million, nine hundred six thousand, two hundred fifteen dollars and twenty-one cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, February 9, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,468,966,737,716.36 (Five trillion, four hundred sixty-eight billion, nine hundred sixty-six million, seven hundred thirty-seven thousand, seven hundred sixteen dollars and thirty-six cents). Five years ago, February 9, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,173,624,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-three billion, six hundred twenty-four million). Ten years ago, February 9, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,545,424,000,000 (Two trillion, five hundred forty-five billion, four hundred twenty-four million). Fifteen years ago, February 9, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,192,294,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-two billion, two hundred ninety-four million). Twenty-five years ago, February 9, 1973, the Federal debt stood at $448,265,000,000 (Four hundred forty-eight billion, two hundred sixty- five million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,020,701,737,716.36 (Five trillion, twenty billion, seven hundred one million, seven hundred thirty-seven thousand, seven hundred sixteen dollars and thirty-six cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, February 6, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,472,049,936,751.15 (Five trillion, four hundred seventy-two billion, forty-nine million, nine hundred thirty-six thousand, seven hundred fifty-one dollars and fifteen cents). One year ago, February 6, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,307,084,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred seven billion, eighty- four million). Twenty-five years ago, February 6, 1973, the Federal debt stood at $445,600,000,000 (Four hundred forty-five billion, six hundred million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $5 trillion-- $5,026,449,936,751.15 (Five trillion, twenty-six billion, four hundred forty-nine million, nine hundred thirty-six thousand, seven hundred fifty-one dollars and fifteen cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Wednesday, February 4, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,475,809,861,023.23 (Five trillion, four hundred seventy-five billion, eight hundred nine million, eight hundred sixty-one thousand, twenty-three dollars and twenty-three cents). One year ago, February 4, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,300,797,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred billion, seven hundred ninety-seven million). Five years ago, February 4, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,173,289,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-three billion, two hundred eighty-nine million). Ten years ago, February 4, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,458,727,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred fifty-eight billion, seven hundred twenty-seven million). Fifteen years ago, February 4, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,198,779,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-eight billion, seven hundred seventy-nine million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,277,030,861,023.23 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy-seven billion, thirty million, eight hundred sixty-one thousand, twenty-three dollars and twenty-three cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, as we move into a vote on final passage, it still seems somehow impossible that 23 years have passed since that genial American--the one who had starred in movies and television, who early in his career had been a talented sports broadcaster, who served as a commissioned officer during World War II and who had served with distinction as Governor of California--that this remarkable man yielded to the urgings of thousands of his fellow Americans and tossed his hat in the ring for consideration as the 1976 Republican presidential nominee. But in the instance of Ronald Reagan, history proves that tempus does fugit. It has indeed been 23 years. Ronald Reagan has done all of the above, and done them well. But when he agreed to be a candidate for the Presidential nomination, there were few who foresaw the profound effect this remarkable American would have on his party, his country--and the entire world. Mr. Reagan did not, of course, win the nomination in 1976. But he did lay the groundwork for 1980 when delighted Republicans chose him as the party's standard bearer in the presidential election that year. He won overwhelmingly and, as Paul Harvey always says, now you know the rest of the story. Mr. President, I had known Ronald Reagan for some years when he announced in 1976--the year when I was in the middle of my first six years in the U.S. Senate. Like Mr. Reagan I had once been a registered Democrat--and I confess that I was stunned on that November 1992 evening when the election returns were coming in that I had become the first U.S. Senator ever elected by the people of North Carolina. I was disappointed in 1976 when Mr. Reagan failed to win the GOP primary for president because it seemed clear to me then, and clear to millions of others, that Ronald Reagan was an eloquent and forceful defender of conservative values. For that reason, and because of my friendship with him, I became the first sitting Senator in 1976 to endorse Candidate Reagan for the Presidency--a fact that I shall forever note with pride because history is already clear that Mr. Reagan was the outstanding President of the 20th Century. There have been others who served well but it was President Ronald Reagan who stout-heartedly defended Thomas Jefferson's counsel that the least government is the best government. Indeed, the enormity of President Reagan's domestic achievement boggles the mind. Consider the unprecedented Gross National Product expansion and job creation after a period of failed statist economic policies; declining interest rates that allowed entrepreneurs to enter the market, bringing energy and innovation to countless industries; tax cuts that at long last allowed Americans to keep more of what they earned; a long overdue hiatus in the unchecked growth of the federal bureaucracy. Simply put, our economy is strong and vibrant today because Ronald Reagan had the courage to trust the free market. Ronald Reagan did all of this, yes, but the real heart of his legacy will forever rest upon in his courageous opposition to communism and totalitarianism opposition that led to the birth of freedom in Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War. Two years before the remarkable fall of the Berlin Wall, Ronald Reagan traveled to Berlin, stood at the Brandenburg Gate, and thundered: ``As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind.'' In this cynical age, when so many ridicule anyone attempting to divine the difference between right and wrong, Ronald Reagan dared to believe in democracy. It was, perhaps, his old-fashioned belief in the goodness of America and all that it represented that led him to understand what so many so-called experts failed to understand: that the Cold War was a struggle not of military might or economic theory, but of the human spirit's longing to be free. President Reagan never lacked detractors--it seems there is no easier way to arouse scorn than to stand up for traditional values--but even his most vociferous opponents stood in awe of his amazing rhetorical gifts. They called him the ``Great Communicator.'' But President Reagan--with his typical humility--rejected the moniker. In his farewell address to the Nation, delivered on January 11, 1989, he said: I never thought it was my style or the words I used that made a difference: it was the content. I wasn't a great communicator, but I communicated great things, and they didn't spring full bloom from my brow, they came from the heart of a great nation--from our experience our wisdom, and our belief in the principles that have guided us for two centuries. They called it the Reagan revolution. And I'll accept that, but for me it always seemed more like the great rediscovery, a rediscovery of our values and our common sense. Indeed, the Reagan years were a reclamation of traditional principles. And all Americans owe Ronald Reagan a great debt, one that the simple renaming of an airport doesn't begin to repay. But this does not lessen the importance that the name of Ronald Reagan be enshrined in national institutions. In the same farewell address to which I referred a moment ago, President Reagan issued a warning for those who would forget history. ``If we forget what we did,'' he said, ``we won't know who we are.'' He spoke of an ``eradication * * * of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit.'' This Friday, Ronald Reagan will be 87 years old. All of us are saddened by his illness, but we are inspired by the gracious manner in which he and his family have faced it. And while he is still with us, we should heed his admonishment to remember the values he stood for, the President he was, and the man that he is. Today, our classrooms and our universities are a battlefield of revisionist history and sometimes venomous ideology. But long after today's petty scholastic disputes lie forgotten in the pages of some academic journal, the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, and other national shrines will continue to stand in tribute to achievements of great Americans. Ronald Reagan richly deserves to be remembered for his achievements just as earlier great American patriots are remembered. I am proud to support the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and I hope that Americans will accept this gesture of deep and genuine appreciation.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Tuesday, January 3, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,474,822,352,150.77 (Five trillion, four hundred seventy-four billion, eight hundred twenty-two million, three hundred fifty-two thousand, one hundred fifty dollars and seventy-seven cents). One year ago, February 3, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,297,382,000,000 (Five trillion, two hundred ninety-seven billion, three hundred eighty-two million). Five years ago, February 3, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,171,477,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-one billion, four hundred seventy-seven million). Ten years ago, February 3, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,458,168,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred fifty-eight billion, one hundred sixty-eight million). Fifteen years ago, February 3, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,197,902,000,000 (One trillion, one hundred ninety-seven billion, nine hundred two million) which reflects a debt increase of more than $4 trillion--$4,276,920,352,150.77 (Four trillion, two hundred seventy- six billion, nine hundred twenty million, three hundred fifty-two thousand, one hundred fifty dollars and seventy-seven cents) during the past 15 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, the American Petroleum Institute reports that for the week ending January 30, the U.S. imported 6,811,000 barrels of oil each day, 329,000 barrels fewer than the 7,140,000 imported each day during the same week a year ago. While this is one of the rare weeks when Americans imported slightly less oil than the same week a year ago, Americans still relied on foreign oil for 51.7 percent of their needs last week, and there are no signs that the upward spiral will abate. Before the Persian Gulf War, the United States obtained approximately 45 percent of its oil supply from foreign countries. During the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, foreign oil accounted for only 35 percent of America's oil supply. Anybody interested in restoring domestic production of oil? By U.S. producers using American workers? Politicians had better ponder the economic calamity sure to occur in America if and when foreign producers shut off our supply--or double the already enormous cost of imported oil flowing into the U.S.--now 6,811,000 barrels a day.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business yesterday, Monday, February 2, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,483,592,532,096.82 (Five trillion, four hundred eighty-three billion, five hundred ninety-two million, five hundred thirty-two thousand, ninety-six dollars and eighty-two cents). Five years ago, February 2, 1993, the Federal debt stood at $4,177,801,000,000 (Four trillion, one hundred seventy-seven billion, eight hundred one million). Ten years ago, February 2, 1988, the Federal debt stood at $2,463,053,000,000 (Two trillion, four hundred sixty-three billion, fifty-three million). Fifteen years ago, February 2, 1983, the Federal debt stood at $1,200,725,000,000 (One trillion, two hundred billion, seven hundred twenty-five million). Twenty-five years ago, February 2, 1973, the Federal debt stood at $449,134,000,000 (Four hundred forty-nine billion, one hundred thirty- four million) which reflects a debt increase of over $5 trillion-- $5,034,458,532,096.82 (Five trillion, thirty-four billion, four hundred fifty-eight million, five hundred thirty-two thousand, ninety-six dollars and eighty-two cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, at the close of business Friday, January 30, 1998, the Federal debt stood at $5,490,064,235,079.64 (Five trillion, four hundred ninety billion, sixty-four million, two hundred thirty-five thousand, seventy-nine dollars and sixty-four cents). One year ago, January 30, 1997, the Federal debt stood at $5,315,796,000,000 (Five trillion, three hundred fifteen billion, seven hundred ninety-six million). Twenty-five years ago, January 30, 1973, the Federal debt stood at $450,068,000,000 (Four hundred fifty billion, sixty-eight million) which reflects a debt increase of over $5 trillion-- $5,039,996,235,079.64 (Five trillion, thirty-nine billion, nine hundred ninety-six million, two hundred thirty-five thousand, seventy-nine dollars and sixty-four cents) during the past 25 years.

Mr. HELMS

Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.