International Communications Reorganization Act of 1981

(Reported to House from the Committee on Government Operations with amendment, H. Rept. 97-100 (Part I))

International Communications Reorganization Act of 1981 - Establishes in the Executive branch, the Committee on International Communications and Information (Committee). Establishes the Committee for five years. Makes the U.S. Trade Representative chairman of the Committee.

Transfers to the Committee specified functions vested in the Secretaries of State and Commerce and the Director of the International Communications Agency.

Directs the Committee to: (1) review any action or proposed action under specified Executive Orders; (2) coordinate and make recommendations to the President concerning the policies and activities of Federal agencies involving international communications and information; and (3) review all policy determinations and proposed policy statements by such agencies relating to international communications and information, except actions or determinations made pursuant to specified rulemaking or adjudicatory procedures. Exempts from the Committee's policy coordination and policy determination review: (1) any action of the Federal Communications Commission made pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934; and (2) consultations with foreign authorities or multilateral international organizations for the disposition of international telecommunications facilities or services for use by a U.S. agency or instrumentality. Directs the Committee to refer comments from U.S. citizens and organizations about concerns regarding international communications and information to appropriate Governmental authorities.

Sets forth the powers of the Committee. Directs all Federal agencies to provide the Committee with information necessary to perform its functions. Prohibits any agency from acting with respect to international communications or information without prior review by the Committee and the President, unless such action is made pursuant to specified rulemaking or adjudicatory procedures, or by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934.

Directs the President to establish an Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information (Advisory Committee) to provide overall policy guidance to the Committee.

Permits the disclosure of confidential information submitted to the Committee or the Advisory Committee: (1) to designated U.S. officers and employees; (2) to any Congressional committee; (3) to the Advisory Committee; (4) pursuant to court order; or (5) with the consent of the person who submitted the information.

Directs the Committee to report to specified Congressional committees with respect to: (1) the Committee's plans for fulfilling its responsibilities under this Act; and (2) legislative or administrative recommendations to further the establishment of a comprehensive international communications and information policy.

Prohibits the provisions of this Act from interfering with specified responsibilities assigned to the Office of Management and Budget.