Political Quotes

Patrick Moynihan: “I write to alert you to a problem which could have extreme negative economic consequences during your second term. The…”

On the recordSeptember 5, 1996
I write to alert you to a problem which could have extreme negative economic consequences during your second term. The "Year 2000 Time Bomb." This has to do with the transition of computer programs from the 20th to the 21st century. The main computer languages from the '50s and '60s such as COBOL, Fortran, and Assembler were designed to minimize consumption of computer memory by employing date fields providing for only six digits. The date of this letter in "computerese," for example, is 96-07-31. The century designation "19" is assumed.
Said by
Patrick Moynihan
Illinois
Source
govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Addressing potential economic issues related to the Year 2000 computer transition.

Share

Share on XShare on FacebookEmail this quote

More from Patrick Moynihan

Sep 19, 2000

I say to our chairman, as evidenced by the fact that this measure was reported 19-1 in the Finance Committee. I thank the Chair. We are at a moment of history and the omens are excellent.

govinfo.gov
Oct 12, 2000

The news from the Middle East is deeply painful to all who pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Three months ago at Camp David the State of Israel offered the Palestine Authority unprecedented concessions in an effort to end the cycle of…

govinfo.gov
Sep 13, 2000

If I might say, these amendments get 18 votes, 22 votes; we now have a pattern. The Senate made its decision about this legislation midday. The sooner we are in the aftermath, the better relations will be, and the Senate can go on to other…

govinfo.gov
Oct 28, 2000

May I simply thank my revered friend. We have been together, even across the aisle, for a near quarter century. There is no one whose regard I greater value and whose remarks I could not be more moved by.

govinfo.gov
View all Patrick Moynihan quotes

Other voices in this conversation