Federal agencies have established Y2K program offices, and an interagency committee has overseen government-wide actions. The century date change is a worldwide problem affecting every industry, locally, nationally, and internationally. The information gained in this hearing will be helpful to Congress in evaluating the progress made by each agency in renovating its computer systems and in determining whether legislation or other congressional action is necessary to help ensure that renovation is successful and timely. The programs within our Committee's jurisdiction affect more than 260 million Americans. Our revenue programs affect every taxpayer and every business.
Millions rely on our benefit programs for their health and well being.
These people need assurance that the services that they rely on will not be disrupted by a computer failure. Today we are assessing the adequacy of the planning and management of the bureaus within the Committee's jurisdiction to avert a potential disaster. The hearing will explore the Y2K issues for the major program areas within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. In particular the Subcommittee will examine the implications of the Y2K computer problem for the various program beneficiaries, the potential risks to program missions, and major remaining program vulnerabilities. If those filing written statements wish to have their statements distributed to the press and interested public at the hearing, they may deliver 200 additional copies for this purpose to the Subcommittee on Oversight office, room 1136 Longworth House Office Building, at least one hour before the hearing begins.