Panama Canal Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1981

(Reported to House from the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries with amendment, H. Rept. 96-882)

Panama Canal Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 from the Panama Canal Commission Fund for the expenses of the Panama Canal Commission incurred under the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to remain available until expended.

Reserves a specified portion of such authorization for improvements, facilities, and equipment required by such Commission. Establishes ceilings on the appropriations for specified categories of projects. Permits the amount that may be expended for any one project to be increased above the amount specified for such project upon approval by the Board of the Commission and notification of the appropriate congressional committees, which may disapprove the increase for any individual project.

Permits the crediting to such appropriation of funds received from Commission employees or insurers for services provided to Commission employees by other Federal agencies.

Authorizes appropriations from such Fund for deposit into the Panama Canal Emergency Fund for emergency expenses to remain available until expended.

Permits continuing contracts for programs as long as any such contract does not exceed in the aggregate the total amount for each specified program. Requires any spending authority to be provided in advance in appropriation Acts.

Directs the Commission to study the Panama Area Wage Base of the pay of Commission and Federal employees in Panama including the use of such wage base on the welfare of affected employees. Requires the Commission to submit the results and any recommendations to the President and Congress.