Statement of Sen. Conrad Burns.
Re: Year 2000 Litigation.
Date: February 9, 1999.
Source: Office of Sen. Conrad Burns. This document was created by scanning a fax copy, and converting it into HTML.

Burns Comments on Y2K Bug
Congressional Action Is Necessary To Prevent Y2K Fallout

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Montana Senator Conrad Burns today commented on the necessity of congressional action to avoid potential legal fallout from the Year 2000 computer problem, known as the Y2K bug.

"The seriousness of the Y2K bug cannot be doubted," Burns said. "The Gartner Group estimates that the costs of dealing with the Y2K bug will run up to $600 billion worldwide. The group also estimates that Y2K lawsuits could reach the $1 trillion mark. The legal community has already reported several instances of massive class-action lawsuits being prepared to take advantage of the Y2K bug.

"The growth of the Internet and information technologies represent a change to American society no less crucial than the Industrial Revolution. Over the last five years, the Internet has grown from an obscure outpost populated by scientists to a truly mass medium used by over 50 million people worldwide.

"Along with the phenomenal opportunities offered by computers and information technologies, however, has come the realization that as a society we are increasingly dependent on the smooth functioning oil our networks for even basic services. Clearly, the Y2K bug is not just a problem for large organizations and corporations, but for all consumers.

"Through a combination of action on the federal level such as passing the Y2K Act and widespread community education, we can prevent the worst-case scenarios surrounding Y2K from becoming reality."

Burns is chairman of the Senate Communications Subcommittee, which oversees many Internet issues. Burns is a cosponsor of the Y2K Act, which limits liability for Y2K-related glitches.