House Science Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Constance Morella, R-Md., Tuesday joined several of her colleagues in a letter to the Clinton administration requesting information on the technological challenges posed by the Year 2000 problem.
"We initially thought the problem affected just computer software and programs, but we are now learning that the magnitude and scope of the Year 2000 challenge seems to be growing beyond just computers," wrote Morella.
The Year 2000 problem will occur, experts say, when microchips which have internal timers programed with the "19" prefix shut down because they can't function with the date of 2000. Although the problem was first associated only with computers, experts now say that many more products, such as microwaves and elevators, will be affected as well.
Also signing the letter were House Science Technology Subcommittee ranking member Bart Gordon, D-Tenn., House Government Reform Government Management Subcommittee Chairman Steve Horn, D-Calif., and House Government Reform Government Management Subcommittee ranking member Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y.
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