An act to authorize appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for the programs of the National Bureau of Standards for fiscal years 1981 and 1982, and for other purposes.

(Senate agreed to House amendments with an amendment)

National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1981 and 1982 - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the activities of the National Bureau of Standards for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Sets forth minimum amounts to be spent on specified programs, including the Environmental Measurements Program, Earthquake Hazards Engineering, Measurement Standards for the Handicapped, the Automated Manufacturing Research Facility, and for Transfer to Working Capital Fund. Establishes a spending ceiling for expenses of the Bureau incurred outside the United States.

Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 to carry out the activities performed by the National Technical Information Service and for adjustments in salary and employee benefits.

Permits the transfer of funds among the line items according to a specified formula and procedure.

Increases the ceiling on the amount the Bureau may spend for facilities improvement, effective October 1, 1980. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to expend funds to defray the expenses of foreign nationals not in service to the Federal government while they are performing scientific or engineering work at the National Bureau of Standards or participating in the exchange of scientific or technical information at the Bureau, effective October 1, 1980.

Authorizes employees of the Bureau to participate in foreign exchanges offered by a foreign government for the performance of scientific or engineering activities or the exchange of information if to do so would be in the interests of the United States.

Repeals the provision relating to a limited authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.