LHA(R) AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT SHIP PROGRAM.

SEC. 123. LHA(R) AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT SHIP PROGRAM.(a) Authorization of Ship.—The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to procure the first amphibious assault ship of the LHA(R) class, subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose. (b) Authorized Amount.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated under section 102(a)(3) for fiscal year 2005, $150,000,000 shall be available for the advance procurement and advance construction of components for the first amphibious assault ship of the LHA(R) class. 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.