; (F) the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund; (G) National Defense Reserve Fleet expenses; (H) expenses necessary to carry out part B of subtitle V of title 46; and (I) other operations and training expenses related to the development of waterborne transportation systems, the use of waterborne transportation systems, and general administration. . 3502. Permanent authority of Secretary of Transportation to issue vessel war risk insurance (a) In general Section 53912 of title 46, United States Code, is repealed. (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 539 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 53912. D Funding Tables 4001. Authorization of amounts in funding tables (a) In general Whenever a funding table in this division specifies a dollar amount authorized for a project, program, or activity, the obligation and expenditure of the specified dollar amount for the project, program, or activity is hereby authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations. (b) Merit-based decisions A decision to commit, obligate, or expend funds with or to a specific entity on the basis of a dollar amount authorized pursuant to subsection (a) shall— (1) be based on merit-based selection procedures in accordance with the requirements of sections 2304(k) and 2374 of title 10, United States Code, or on competitive procedures