[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 147 (Thursday, October 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                HOW LONG UNTIL THE Y2K COMPUTER PROBLEM?

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                            HON. JOHN LINDER

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 1998

  Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, there is approximately 1 Year, 2 Months, 16 
Days, 10 Hours, 56 Minutes, and 43 Seconds until the Year 2000 computer 
problem affects computers and computer chips worldwide on the morning 
of January 1, 2000.
  As we know, many computers will be unable to process dates beyond 
December 31, 1999, making the year 2000 indistinguishable from the year 
1900. The potential technological turmoil could cause computers to 
generate incorrect data or stop running. Credit cards, ATM cards, 
security systems, hospital equipment, telephone service, electricity, 
and paycheck systems could be affected. I don't think anyone is sure 
what will happen.
  Fortunately, in the year 2000, we have a few days to recover after 
the Y2K problem hits because January 1 falls on Saturday. However, we 
lose one potential additional day because the New Year's Day holiday--
by law--must be observed on the previous Friday, December 31, 1999.
  I have introduced legislation that will provide the public and 
technology professionals with an additional day, prior to the start of 
the first workweek in January 2000, to work on repairs on failed 
computer systems caused by the Year 2000 computer problem. H.J. Res. 
130 will move the New Year's Day holiday in the year 2000 to Monday, 
January 3, 2000.
  Mr. Speaker, congressional committees have been successfully working 
to prepare the nation for Y2K, and this is just another proposal that 
may help ease the difficulties we face. It is not a silver bullet to 
solve the problem. It is vital that all businesses and government 
agencies continue to mobilize and work to repair computers in the 
remaining 442 days before the Y2K problem strikes. H.J. Res. 130 simply 
ensures that businesses, the public and computer experts have an 
additional 24 hours to respond to problems that may arise.

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