August 24, 1998

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August 24, 1998

Front Lines

Public sector lagging in YK2 preparedness

Typically, the federal Ag Department says it should have the problem licked by ... 2002

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U.S. Rep. Dick Armey

When we wake up every morning, we naturally expect that the power will be on, the faucet will work and the sewer system will function. We don't give a second's thought about whether the stoplight at the intersection will be working or whether we'll be able to use the telephone. We most definitely don't consider the possibility of all those systems going out, citywide or statewide, all at the same time.

But on the first day of the new millenium, each of those items we expect will function could fail if we are not prepared. That's because just about everything that we expect to work on a daily basis depends in some way upon an electronic device with a timing feature. We don't think of the water that comes out of our faucet as depending upon anything electrical. But that water reaches us only after it is pumped and filtered by a system that does depend on computer chips and software.

If those computer chips and software are not ready for the Year 2000, the water may not come. I have a vision of us not getting this job done and having the largest problem ever on Times Square. Those gathering on New Year's Eve to watch the ball drop never see it hit the bottom because, at 12:01 a.m., the lights go out and the ball stops.

Recently just one wayward satellite wreaked havoc on millions who didn't even know that they depended upon it. It is somewhat surprising to find that a single satellite failure could cut off several million pager owners. But the big surprise came when people were unable to buy gas with a credit card or use their ATM cards. They found out that just one faulty machine can cause a chain reaction of unexpected failures in other systems that touch our everyday lives.

That's why we're concerned with the Year 2000 problem. The private sector is working hard to ensure it will be ready, but Americans are anxious about the public sector's response. We have yet to see the administration exercise some leadership on this issue. Rep. Steve Horn's report on the public sector's readiness for the new millenium isn't very encouraging. He gave the administration an overall grade of "F" for its preparedness.

I'm reminded of a report we got from the Department of Agriculture under the Results Act, when they actually put down in writing that one of their objectives was to solve the Y2K problem by the year 2002. Can you imagine that someone was sitting there writing that down? You'd think a little light bulb would have gone off in his head.

While there probably will be ample opportunity for us to have amusing stories about agency efforts to deal with this, the fact of the matter is that this is extremely serious business. We need to solve this problem now.

Congress continues its effort to monitor federal departments and agencies. Since our party took the majority in 1995, we have held extensive hearings to investigate the Year 2000 problem and to raise public awareness about the issue. Those interested in learning more about what we have done about it can visit the Year 2000 section of my Web site at http://www.freedom.gov/y2k.

As they say, admitting we have a problem is the first step in solving it. Unfortunately, unless the federal government steps up its efforts to meet the challenge, it will not be ready. I call upon the president to work with Congress to ensure the necessary measures are taken so that we will be able to celebrate the arrival of the new millenium and watch that ball actually hit bottom in Times Square.

Armey represents Texas's 26th district and serves as majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives.