Panama Canal Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1983

(Reported to House from the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries with amendment, H. Rept. 97-544)

Panama Canal Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1983 - Authorizes FY 1983 appropriations from the Panama Canal Commission Fund for the use of the Panama Canal Commission for the maintenance and operation of the Panama Canal and for capital projects. Establishes ceilings for specified operating expenses and capital projects. Authorizes inflation adjustment increases in appropriations for individual capital projects if the Commission's Board approves such increases and specified congressional committees receive notification of and do not disapprove such increases within a specified time. Prohibits the total cost of: (1) all projects within specific categories from exceeding the amount authorized for such categories; and (2) all authorized capital projects from exceeding the amount appropriated for such projects.

Authorizes appropriations for payment to other Federal agencies or commercial insurers for certain services provided by such agencies to Commission employees and their dependents. Authorizes supplemental appropriations to: (1) pay for certain increases in employee benefits; (2) cover certain payments to Panama under the Panama Canal Treaty of 1979; and (3) pay for increased fuel expenses.

Prohibits expenditure of any of the appropriations authorized by this Act for Commission Board meetings, unless such meetings comply with the Government in the Sunshine Act and unedited transcripts of such meetings are received by the appropriate congressional committees.