U.S. Representative Stephen Horn On... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Year 2000 Will Test Federal Computers

In a few days, clocks all over the world will roll over to January 1, 2000, the beginning of the new millennium. It may also be the start of various electronic disruptions as computers, using old software with only the last two digits of the year, cannot decide whether the year is "2000" or "1900."

This problem, known as the Y2K bug or the Year 2000 computer problem, has been the major focus of the House Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology, which I chair. Over the past four years, the subcommittee has held 43 hearings on the Year 2000 issue -- 24 this year alone -- in an effort to prod the executive branch agencies into preparing their computer systems for this date change.

On the final report card issued by the subcommittee earlier this month, the government overall earned a "B+" grade  most agencies appear to be ready and most government programs should function properly in the new year. But there are still going to be problems and there will be some disruptions. Of the 43 federal-state programs that most directly affect individuals, 18 still need further work, and time is running out. That means in some states, child nutrition programs could be disrupted; in others, student loans for college could be delayed.

Two other programs that affect many Americans could face problems. Medicare, where many providers such as hospitals, doctors and others are not prepared, could become gridlocked with billing errors. However, there is no reason to believe that services to patients will suffer at this point.

The nations air traffic control system also could be disrupted. If the intricate network of radars, radios, telecommunications and computers fails, flights will be held on the ground or slowed in moving across the country. The danger is not so much that planes will fall from the sky or smash into each other. The big problem could be a travel slowdown that could seriously disrupt the plans of millions for an unknown period.

All of this demonstrates how much we have become an electronic society and how much can be disrupted when the electrons stop flowing. When I first began to focus attention on this issue four years ago, there was little planning even underway except at the Social Security Administration. Now, enormous progress has been made. As a result, it appears that any computer disruptions will be relatively limited and relatively short. At least, that is what the agencies have reported to Congress. In a few days, we will all know for certain.

-- Roland (nottelling@nohwere.com), December 17, 1999

Answers

Everyone is turning into a polly.

-- Butt Nugget (catsbutt@umailme.com), December 17, 1999.

Last time I checked, this was not a popularity contest. The people that frequent the board are not running for prom queen.

-- Tim (pixmo@pixelquest.com), December 17, 1999.

IMHO, Horn is not a polly. For a public official, I'd say this is a pretty cautious statement...

R.

-- Roland (nottelling@nohwere.com), December 17, 1999.

"At least, that is what the agencies have reported to Congress."

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), December 17, 1999.

I know. I love that line.

-- Roland (nottelling@nowhere.com), December 17, 1999.

The nations air traffic control system also could be disrupted. If the intricate network of radars, radios, telecommunications and computers fails, flights will be held on the ground or slowed in moving across the country. The danger is not so much that planes will fall from the sky or smash into each other. The big problem could be a travel slowdown that could seriously disrupt the plans of millions for an unknown period.

He cant say it any clearer than this without kicking off panic. This is our future. Make your plans accordingly.

-- Alan Rushby (arushby@yahoo.com), December 17, 1999.

"Horn Releases 10th and Final Y2K Report Cards"

http://www.house.gov/reform/gmit/y2k/991122.htm

-- Linkmeister (link@librarian.edu), December 17, 1999.

I just heard Horn on Fox news. Didn't sound to rosy to me. The Y2K story will be rerun tonight with Paula Zahn on "The Edge."

-- (HornWatcher@Fed.incompetent), December 17, 1999.

Kudos to Fox news. Seems like they're the only TV news outlet left that's not TOTALLY corrupted with an obvious liberal agenda. Keep it up Fox!

-- (cavscout@fix.net), December 17, 1999.