A district court of the United States may assign its duties in proceedings under this chapter to a United States magistrate judge to the extent not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXVI, § 3611, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4937; amended Pub. L. 101–650, title III, § 321, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5117.)