Trent Lott: “as the Senate considers S. 96, the Y2K Act, I rise to first praise the bipartisan work of Senator McCain and Senator…”

“as the Senate considers S. 96, the Y2K Act, I rise to first praise the bipartisan work of Senator McCain and Senator Wyden. They have worked tirelessly to construct an effective, fair bill that will address the important issue of liability as it relates to the Year 2000--or Y2K. There are enough challenges for America's industry and governments to ensure that they are Y2K compliant. We all know how vexing computer problems can be. This bill is constructive, positive legislation. It allows companies in the information technology industry to focus their limited resources on solving Y2K related problems in computer software by preventing frivolous litigation. Litigation which would divert those limited resources away from solving Y2K programming deficiencies. With only 205 days left until the globe turns the page on the calendar to a new century and a new millennium, the Y2K problem is a crucial matter and must be fixed. Lawsuits are already being filed regarding the Y2K problem, and Congress must act now to ensure that frivolous suits are prevented. Our legal system allows those who have indeed suffered because of the fault of another party to have their grievances adjudicated in court. This bill protects that process. This bill allows plaintiffs to bring suit for Y2K related problems if these problems are not addressed. This bill, however, prevents and places limits on opportunistic and unwarranted suits.”