Washington, DC, May 17, 1999 – Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) President Edward J. Black today lambasted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for accusing U.S. Senator Chuck Robb, D-VA, of being “missing in action” on crucial Year 2000 (Y2K) legislation. Nothing could be further from the truth, Black said, noting that Robb has consistently fought for balanced Y2K legislation and has led significant bipartisan efforts toward its passage in Congress.
CCIA is an international, nonprofit alliance of computer and communications firms. Its membership includes CEOs and senior executives representing, among other businesses, computer equipment manufacturers, software providers, communications and networking equipment manufacturers, and telecommunications and online service providers.
“Senator Robb has been unfairly singled out by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Contrary to the Chamber’s remarks, he’s been a high-tech hero for his persistence in moving the Congress toward agreement on a compromise position,” Black said.
“Remarks such as those made by the Chamber are indefensible and unmistakably partisan in nature. They raise questions about whether the Chamber’s political motives are more important than its commitment to crafting fair and balanced legislation. In the future, the Chamber should focus on real opponents of reform, not fictional propaganda.”
Black said that Robb has worked constructively in the Y2K debate to ensure that “good, bipartisan legislation can emerge at the end of the day.” Robb has been influential in his role as a “good faith mediator” and has successfully garnered support for critical Y2K provisions from both sides of the aisle.
“The computer and communications industry has been pleased with Senator Robb’s work and commends him on his efforts to be a constructive voice in this important debate,” said Black.