LHD–8 AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT SHIP PROGRAM.

SEC. 124. LHD–8 AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT SHIP PROGRAM. (a) Authorization of Ship.—The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to procure the amphibious assault ship to be designated LHD–8, subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose. (b) Amount Authorized.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated under section 102(a)(3) for fiscal year 2000, $375,000,000 is available for the advance procurement and advance construction of components for the LHD–8 amphibious assault ship program. The Secretary of the Navy may enter into a contract or contracts with the shipbuilder and other entities for the advance procurement and advance construction of those components.