House approves bill renewing FISA spy program after GOP upheaval threatened passage

Washington — The House on Friday passed a bill to reauthorize a crucial national security surveillance program, two days after a conservative revolt prevented similar legislation from reaching the floor. 

The bill reforms and extends a portion of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act known as Section 702 for a shortened period of two years, instead of the full five-year reauthorization first proposed. The change was made to sway GOP critics. 

The vote on final passage was 273 in favor to 147 opposed.