House Fails To Pass PATRIOT Act Extension

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In a surprising vote, the House of Representatives failed to extend controversial provisions of the PATRIOT Act this evening.

Twenty-six Republicans broke with leadership and opposed the bill, which gained a majority of votes — 277 to 148 — but failed to pass because it was moved to the floor under suspension rules, which require a two-thirds majority for passage.

A majority of Democrats voted against the extension, with 122 opposed and 67 in favor.

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