The US House of Representatives passed a crucial surveillance law today that reinforced the ability of the country's spy agencies to intercept and make use of Americans' private communications. <br/><br/>The national security establishment saw the reauthorization of the expiring Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act as essential, warning that they would not be able to detect terror plots without it.<br/>' <br/>While nearly all lawmakers agree that 702 is an essential tool for US intelligence to safeguard national security, the bill passed the House by 256-164, showing the level of opposition to the powers it gives US spies and law enforcement. The no votes included 45 Republicans.<br/><br/>