The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize a controversial surveillance program Friday, in a major step toward keeping a key element of the United States' foreign intelligence-gathering operation in place.
The House passed a bill reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in a 273-147 vote. The FISA bill now moves to the Senate, which is expected to give it bipartisan approval. Without congressional action, the program will expire on April 19.
Approval came after the duration of the bill was changed to two years from a previous version of five years, as some Republicans had sought.
FISA has attracted criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who argue it violates Americans' constitutional right to privacy. The bill was blocked three times in the past five months by House Republicans bucking their party.
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
China Launches Special TCM Initiative for Betterment of Public Health
Children Enjoy Summer Vacation in Shenyang
Featured Commodities from ASEAN Countries Attract Visitors at China
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Traditional Chinese Medicine Gains Foothold in 196 Countries, Regions
Silk Road Int'l Expo Pushes for Deeper Belt and Road Cooperation
Tsinghua Tops Global Ranking in Three Subjects
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
China Makes Notable Achievements in Environmental Protection: Report
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
China Commemorates War Against Japanese Aggression