FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Doug McGinn
February 23, 1999 (202) 225-3031

RYAN COMMENTS ON FEDERAL EFFORT TO COMBAT Y2K COMPUTER PROBLEM

- Recently Released Report Card Assesses Progress of Federal Agencies -

WASHINGTON - First District Congressman Paul Ryan today gave his assessment of the overall effort made by U.S. federal agencies in combating the Y2K computer problem. Ryan's statements on the matter follow the release of a Y2K report card from the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology, of which he is a member.

Known as the Year 2000, Y2K, or "millennium bug," it is a problem dating back to the earliest days of computer programming. In effort to save needed memory, programmers have long relied on designating the year with two digits rather than four. Computers and other mechanical devices are now far more date-sensitive and unless corrected, they are expected to generate erroneous information or fail completely when we reach the year 2000.

Of the twenty-four federal agencies scored for the report, all but six were rated with grades of B- or better. While pleased with the progress made by several agencies, Ryan expressed great concern over the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Health and Human Services (HHS), which scored a C- and a C+ respectively.

"I am very concerned with the lack of progress being made by the Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services," said Ryan. "Our national security is greatly dependent on the use of computer systems. Any breach or failure of our military's information systems could have disastrous consequences. Likewise, the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for such programs as Medicare, holds the health care of millions of Americans in the balance."

"While some progress has been made, victory has yet to be secured in guarding our citizens from the problems that could result if government computer systems are not fully corrected. I am, however, pleased to see that many of our federal agencies now recognize the seriousness of the Y2K problem and are working to protect their computer systems."

For a full copy of the Subcommittee's Report Card, or to speak to Congressman Ryan, please contact Doug McGinn at (202) 225-2715.