[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          GAO'S REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM

 Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, we are now at the height of a 
contentious debate on whether or not Social Security payments will be 
made in the 21st century if we pass the balanced budget amendment. The 
question is moot.
  According to a report released yesterday by the General Accounting 
Office [GAO], come January 1, 2000, the ``Year 2000 Computer Problem'' 
will render all Social Security funds impounded. On the first day of 
the new millennium thousands of computer systems at the Social Security 
Administration as well as all the other Federal Agencies--Defense 
included--could malfunction.
  It is February 13, 1997; we have 1,051 days remaining until January 
1, 2000. Not only does the Year 2000 Computer Problem render our 
balanced budget debate moot, but its extent and impact will have 
consequences unseen in history. I have introduced a bill, S. 22, that 
would set up a commission to address the problem. This issue should be 
the No. 1 priority of the Governmental Affairs Committee, and of the 
105th Congress.
  If this matter lingers unaddressed, I can only imagine what else 
besides Social Security will fail in our computer-dependent 
society.

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