AUTHORIZATION FOR B–2 BOMBER PROGRAM.

SEC. 131. AUTHORIZATION FOR B–2 BOMBER PROGRAM. (a) Funding Availability.—Of the funds made available for procurement of aircraft for the Air Force for fiscal year 1998, the amount of $331,000,000 is available for long-lead activities related to the procurement of additional B–2 bomber aircraft. However, if the President determines that no additional B–2 bombers should be procured during fiscal year 1998 and certifies that decision to Congress, the funding authorized in the preceding sentence shall be made available to modify and repair the existing fleet of B–2 bomber aircraft. (b) Secretary of Defense To Preserve Options of President.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all appropriate actions are taken to preserve the options of the President until the panel to review long-range airpower established by section 8131 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105–56; 111 Stat. 1249), submits its report.