Orrin Hatch: “I rise to state unequivocally my strong support for a Y2K bill. Let me begin by stating how important Y2K remediation is…”

“I rise to state unequivocally my strong support for a Y2K bill. Let me begin by stating how important Y2K remediation is to consumers, business, and the economy. This problem is of particular interest in my State of Utah which has quickly become one of the Nation's leading high tech States. Working together, Senator Dianne Feinstein and I have produced a bill--S. 461, the Year 2000 Fairness and Responsibility Act--that encourages Y2K problem-solving rather than a rush to the courthouse. It was not our goal to prevent any and all Y2K litigation. It was to simply make Y2K problem-solving a more attractive alternative to litigation. This benefits consumers, businesses, and the economy. The bill was voted out of the Judiciary Committee. But, Senator McCain's bill is the focus of the present debate. With some distinctions--this bill accomplishes the same ends as Senator Feinstein's and my bill. Let me say that I support a strong bill. I do not care who gets the credit. This is of no importance to me. What is important is that the Nation needs Y2K legislation. I thus will support any mechanism that is able to pass Congress.”