Joe Lieberman: “in section 121 of the conference report I read that funds in this bill are: * * *available for contracts with Electric…”

“in section 121 of the conference report I read that funds in this bill are: * * *available for contracts with Electric Boat Division and Newport News Shipbuilding to carry out the provisions of the ``Memorandum of Agreement among the Department of the Navy, Electric Boat Corporation (EB) and Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company (NNS) concerning the New Attack Submarine'' dated April 5, 1996, relating to design data transfer, design improvements, integrated process teams, and update design base. Further, in the bill, under subsection (g) Design Responsibility, I read, The Secretary shall ensure that both shipbuilders have full and open access to all design data concerning the design of the submarine previously designated by the Navy as the New Attack Submarine. Mr. President, reading a portion of the aforementioned memorandum of agreement, a copy of which I am submitting for the record, NNS is to ``be provided design deliverable information in a manner and scope that is generally consistent with that provided in the latest submarine program (SeaWolf). Design data transfer will be conducted in the most cost effective manner to support construction of follow-on ships at NNS.'' My interpretation of subsection (g)(1) of section 121 is that this subsection does not require the transfer of any design data between the shipyards which are not required by the memorandum of agreement. Am I correct in my interpretation of the intent of the conferees?”